New-look million-dollar Toronto Baths in the swim of things

Toronto Early Swimmers Club members are all smiles following a million-dollar upgrade to the suburb’s historic baths.

The fully-enclosed and more accessible facility, funded by the NSW Government’s Places to Swim Program, now boasts a new user-friendly ramp into the water, jetty decking and netting around the premises.

Lake Macquarie City mayor Adam Shultz cut the ribbon on the $1.4 million revamp on Wednesday 30 October alongside Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper and Upper Hunter MLC Emily Suvaal.

“It’s fantastic to see these upgrades completed in time for summer,” he said.

“This facility is going to be very popular for thousands of residents and visitors to Lake Macquarie over the coming months.

“It’ll provide the perfect spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy quality time together.

“We are very passionate about building an inclusive city… and making the baths more accessible means everyone can enjoy our wonderful facility.

“They’ve been a magnet for generations of bathers, boaties and anglers for almost 100 years.

“This work will ensure that remains the case for many more.”

His sentiments were echoed by Toronto Early Swimmers Club member Bevan McGregor, who uses the baths almost every day.

“We’re very happy with the upgrades,” he said.

“It looks very nice… and the new ramp is extremely popular with less mobile members.

“We’re swimming at the baths every day except for after heavy rain.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the $1 million grant was an important addition to the foreshore’s transformation.

“The Toronto Baths will retain their charm and will be enhanced by these upgrades making them more accessible for the public to enjoy a safer place to swim,” he added.

“With summer fast approaching, the newly-netted baths will provide everyone a little more peace of mind when they take a dip and cool off.”  

The works form part of council’s Toronto Foreshore Revitalisation project, transforming the area into an attractive and vibrant leisure destination.

Together with the NSW Government, Lake Macquarie City is delivering infrastructure that’s essential for communities, increasing access to water for recreation across the LGA.