About The Project

Coastal Public Access Upgrade at Blue Lagoon

Baker Built was engaged to design, construct and certify two new public access staircases at Blue Lagoon Beach in Bateau Bay, creating a safe pedestrian connection from Bateau Bay Road through to the lower reserve and beach.

The project was delivered as a complete design and construction package, including concept development, detailed architectural and engineering design, site investigations, construction documentation, geotechnical assessment, coastal engineering input and delivery of the completed structures.

The staircases were required to achieve a minimum 50-year functional life, with a nominated minimum width of 2.2 metres and materials selected specifically for durability in a harsh coastal environment. The preferred solution incorporated fibre reinforced polymer stair treads, landings and structural components, together with marine-grade stainless steel handrails, balustrades, fixings and hardware.

The site presented significant construction challenges, with the upper staircase traversing a heavily vegetated back dune with an approximate 40-metre fall to the lower reserve, while the lower staircase extended across the dynamic foredune environment to the beach.

Construction works included temporary site establishment, survey and set-out, protection of existing services, demolition and lawful disposal of the existing lower staircase, foundation installation, stair structure installation, handrails, balustrades, earthworks, testing, inspections and certification.

Environmental management was a key focus throughout the project. Works were planned around the Review of Environmental Factors and Biodiversity Assessment, including erosion and sediment controls, protection of native vegetation, minimisation of dune excavation, management of potential Aboriginal heritage constraints, protection of receiving ocean waters, revegetation and bush regeneration following construction.