Three years in the making, the Merewether Beach precinct is now fully open to the public and includes new seating, wider promenades, car parks, lighting and dune rehabilitation.

It's just part of the council's 10-year $35.9 million project to improve the coast.

General manger Ken Gouldthorp said the council made a deliberate decision to fast-track four big-ticket projects, including the coastal revitalisation, rather than draw out a bigger number over a longer period of time.

Originally slated as a 10 to 15-year program, the coastline revitalisation is now due to be completed midway through 2016.

The Dixon Park section of the plan is due for completion by the end of November, while the Nobbys to Zaara Street section is due to start in August this year.

Another $3.2 million has been allocated to King Edward Park, with work to start next year.

Speaking at the official opening last week, Merewether Surfboard Club's Tim Ryan said the beach upgrade struck "a great balance between everyone's needs".

Mr Ryan, who served on the council's community reference group for nearly four years, said the public was able to give a great input.

He hopes the council will soon turn its attention to upgrading Merewether's Jefferson Park.