A much-loved beach is set to reopen after being closed for the last two summers if a final delay can be resolved.
The iconic Shark Beach – locally known as Nielsen Park in Vaucluse in Sydney’s eastern suburbs – is set to open in late November.
The beach has been off limits since 2022 for remediation work on the 160metre seawall which was damaged by floods in 2016.
NSW Parks and Wildlife planned to replace the seawall with a new barrier that would be reinforced to withstand the impact of strong wet weather and surf conditions.
But contract disputes, bad weather and the discovery of 3,600 tonnes of asbestos in the old wall have prolonged its construction and the closure of Nielsen Park.
Before beachgoers can hit the water again, there’s one final hurdle to overcome.
NSW Parks and Wildlife advised in a recent update there were issues with surface repairs of the concrete bleachers (the seats and steps lining the new seawall).
This has meant the work has ‘taken longer than anticipated’.
‘Unfortunately, the required testing and rework has caused an additional 3-week delay to the works program,’ NSW Parks and Wildlife said in the update.
‘This latest delay is very frustrating, but necessary to ensure the works are completed to a high standard.’
Other work is nearing completion including the installation of raised planter boxes and the planting of mature trees to provide shade along the lawn terrace and seating areas.
The last major milestone of the project is the removal of the sheet pile wall which has protected the construction from the tide and waves.
A barge will deliver an excavator to remove the temporary wall piece by piece.
Local state MP Kellie Sloane said she was looking forward to the beach reopening.
‘We’ve missed out on two summers at Nielsen Park, but we’re all hopeful that this will be third summer lucky,’ she said.
‘I’ve been told major works are now complete; what we’re seeing now are the finishing touches, the landscaping, the safety rails, and then the final big piece of work will be the removal of the seawall that’s been protecting construction.’
In September, NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe told ABC Radio Sydney the project had taken too long.
‘I am one of the many swimmers who is waiting eagerly for the completion of these works,’ Ms Sharpe said.
‘This is a project I have inherited and it has taken too long.’