The heritage-listed Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance has a new look, with Central Coast Council having completed the bulk of amenity upgrades at the iconic facility.
The changerooms and public toilets have received a refresh and a new parents’ room has been installed.
Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the upgrade has helped refresh the facilities and comply with accessibility standards.
“The Grant McBride Baths is a much-loved local spot which provides a space for locals and visitors to get active outdoors while connecting with other members of the community,” Smith said.
“These upgrades provide a refresh of the existing facilities and improve accessibility to the changeroom and public toilets, making them available for use to the whole community.”
Further works are planned to occur later this year, including a replacement of the roof and eaves of the hall adjacent to the baths, the connection of hot water to the hall, one shower in each of the male and female changerooms and replacement of safety fencing.
Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said investing in the venue provides value for the Central Coast community.
“The iconic Grant McBride Baths are positioned along the pristine coastline at The Entrance and has long been a popular swimming spot for locals and visitors to the Central Coast,” Hart said.
“First constructed in 1938, these ocean pools are rich with local history and make up an important part of the social fabric of The Entrance.”
Formerly known as The Entrance Ocean Baths, the facility was officially renamed in September, 2018, in memory of Grant McBride, State Member for The Entrance from 1992-2011.
The name change had been ratified in March of that year by Council in recognition of the efforts McBride took to protect the baths for the Central Coast community.
In 2002, Mr McBride campaigned with local residents to save the iconic facility from potential closure.
Over 9,000 signatures were collected during the campaign, and in 2003 the Baths were successfully placed on the NSW Heritage List.
The ocean pools are free to use and open year-round (subject to maintenance and cleaning) and supervised with various patrolled hours throughout the season.
For more information search Grant McBride Baths at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.
Source:
Media release, Aug 9
Central Coast Council
Unfortunately, the upgrade has removed the hot water showers that were available in the change rooms. This is a shame as it made recovery from the cold after those early morning winter laps a lot easier.