Nielsen Park seawall upgrades resume as new contractor found

Nielsen Park seawall upgrades resume as new contractor found
Image: Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane has announced that construction on the Nielsen Park seawall has resumed after long delays. Photo: Facebook/Kellie Sloane.

By ERIN MODARO

Newly elected MP for Vaucluse Kellie Sloane has announced that works on the slow-moving replacement of the Nielsen Park seawall have now recommenced.

The replacement of a seawall at popular Sydney swimming destination Shark Beach has hit some major snags since construction began. Shark Beach and the promenade along Neilsen Park have been closed for months after the seawall was in dire need of upgrades due to weather damage over a number of years.

Nielsen Park Seawall
Wet weather and flooding has delayed the expected completion of a seawall at Shark Beach in Vaucluse. Photo: DPIE

The project was first expected to be finished by December of 2022, however was pushed back due to bad weather conditions impacting construction.

In January 2023, another roadblock came when the NSW government quietly ended its contract with the civil engineering firm in charge of the seawall replacement.

Kellie Sloane announces project has resumed

Sloane said one of her election promises to the community was to get the project back up and running after so many delays.

“Over the past couple of months many of you have expressed your frustrations and concerns,” Sloane said via social media. She confirmed that a new construction firm has been appointed and are currently in the planning process.

National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) have updated the information page to say that Cherrie Civil Engineering will be taking up the task.

“The unfortunate delays to this project have extended the closure beyond the original scope, and we understand the impact this has had on the community and visitors,” the NPWS website says.

Nielsen Park Seawall
Sketch of upgrades to the Nielsen Park seawall. Photo: DPIE

Works on the site are expected to kick-off by the new contractors in May.

As for when the beach will be re-opened to the public, Sloane put the date sometime around the end of summer, with construction set to be completed by the end of February next year.

“I will be lobbying to have access to this beach as soon as possible,” Sloane said.

The upgraded seawall will be accompanied by a revamp of the promenade running along the beach, new lawn areas and improved wheelchair access.

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