Replacement of the Nielsen Park seawall: update March 2024

Progress

The contractor has constructed more than two-thirds of the capping beam with 7 separate concrete pours. Careful monitoring and procedures remain in place to prevent any shrinkage cracking of the concrete. The capping beam connects the front row of concrete piles that supports the seawall structure.

The contractor has backfilled behind the capping beam across one-third of the length of the seawall from the western end, building up layers of sand, ballast and shotcrete over which the concrete to the bleachers will be poured. The concrete bleachers will be progressively poured once the reinforcing steel and formwork has been installed over this backfill.

The first level of bleachers at the western end of the site was poured on 7 March.

There will be multiple concrete pours over the coming months to construct the bleachers tier by tier, working west to east. This is on-track to be completed in May, followed by grit-blasting of the finish to the bleachers, then promenade and landscaping works.

The contractor's program continues to indicate overall completion in June 2024, excluding any inclement weather or latent site conditions.

Visitor access

Shark Beach will remain closed to visitors until the completion of the project. In the interests of everyone’s safety, we kindly request that all visitors refrain from entering the construction site, be it through fencing or water. This area is not safe for visitors.

We appreciate and understand that the project delays are very frustrating, but we are committed to delivering the project to specification so that this public infrastructure meets its design life of 100 years. All parties involved are working hard to achieve overall completion in June 2024.

Did you know?

Nielsen Park has played its part in the defence of Sydney Harbour. In 1871 work commenced on a battery of 3 80-pounder muzzle-loading guns at Steele Point. Along with batteries at Middle Head, Georges Head and Inner South Head, Steele Point provided coverage of the outer harbour. The battery consisted of emplacements connected by open and covered passageways to the underground magazine. During World War II, the Australian Army briefly stationed a light anti-aircraft gun at Steele Point and then constructed temporary barracks in the park behind Shark Beach to accommodate the all-female crew of a large anti-aircraft searchlight.

Latest information

Please refer to the project webpage for the latest information, regularly updated as information becomes available. Questions and comments are welcome, and anyone can sign up to receive these updates. Just complete the online form on the project webpage.