Central Coast News

Council will shortly be modifying the original design drawings to reflect the community’s feedback during the consultation phase. The feedback included:

1. Reduce visual impacts from Gosford City and Industree Group Stadium to Brisbane Water where possible.
2. Provide an alternative public ferry wharf location closer to the foreshore.
3. Improve boat and ferry access to the marina and public boat ramp.
4. Improve pedestrian access across the Central Coast Highway.
5. Incorporate more green space within the waterfront development.

Once the design is altered to reflect community feedback, Council will progress to the next phase, which is a series of technical studies to inform development of a detailed waterfront masterplan.  These include:

• environmental/ biodiversity studies
• geotechnical and hydrological studies
• flooding and coastal hazard analysis
• transport and pedestrian investigation
• full site survey
• investigation of infrastructure services

Council’s Director Environment and Planning Dr Alice Howe said the community feedback has been vital in shaping the modified designs for the project.

“The general consensus from community, business and the NSW Government is that a revitalised waterfront precinct will form an anchor of a revitalised Gosford CBD and be a catalyst for local education and employment opportunities across the Central Coast.

“Gosford has been in the national focus with the Mariners outstanding A-League grand final win, and of course the focus on Gosford and the Central Coast will continue with the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the Central Coast hosting two dominant international teams’ – England and Germany – training camps.

“If Gosford and its current facilities can attract this kind of success and attention now, a truly revitalised waterfront with world class facilities, marina and public spaces, will without a doubt boost the economy and tourism for the region.

“Added to a revitalised waterfront, the development and investment going into Gosford CBD in education, health and accommodation will make Gosford, and by association the Central Coast, a truly global city.”

Council CEO David Farmer said he, like all others, are looking forward to seeing the modified designs, which will reflect ideas and input from the community.

“As part of the next steps Council will be engaging with key NSW government stakeholders to support a whole of government approach to development of the waterfront masterplan and coordinated progress towards delivery.

“We want to be very clear with the community, while Council has committed some early funding to take the next step, this is not a project Council will deliver. We are doing the early work, but the intention is to hand this project over to an experienced Government agency to take the lead as soon as practicable,” Mr Farmer said.

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