Central Coast News

The Central Coast Council has adopted a concept plan for the Gosford waterfront, a starting point for the community’s input, with the plan now on public exhibition for community members to submit their ideas, feedback and opinions.

Council worked with key stakeholders to develop the concept plan including the Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council, Greater Cities Commission, Crown Lands, TAFE and The University of Newcastle. Council also integrated existing research and information collected through various projects including the Gosford Challenge, Gosford Our City, Our Destiny Masterplan and Gosford Urban Design Framework.

Now Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to provide their input to the concept plan and its various components.

Central Coast CEO, David Farmer said the re-imagining of the Gosford waterfront is a long-term project that will stimulate significant employment and economic activity through the planning, development and operational phases.

“Gosford is recognised as the Central Coast’s principal city in the NSW Government’s Greater Cities Plan. For Gosford to realise its potential, it must be connected to its waterfront, and the waterfront must be a place for people.

“As identified by the NSW Government, Gosford is the chosen city for new university and TAFE campuses, and the NSW Government’s faster train proposal.

“Gosford’s waterfront integrates and enhances these investments positioning Gosford as the principal city delivering higher order jobs, first class healthcare and education for the region.

“We want to be very clear with the community however, this is not a project Council would 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,” Mr Farmer said.

Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said the time is right to make Gosford an iconic waterfront city.

“Revitalisation of the Gosford waterfront is the Central Coast’s key enabling project. It re-imagines the waterfront as not only a major opportunity for the city’s renewal, but a chance for Gosford City to join the great waterfronts of the world.

“The waterfront is a place for people. It will support local jobs, housing and education, and mean our young people won’t need to leave the Central Coast for employment and training. With this development Gosford will become vibrant with foreshore entertainment, maritime services, tourism and residential living, and improved public domain.

“From every angle, whether it be looking at the water, or looking back toward the CBD, the waterfront precinct will bring Gosford together through growing residency, and visitor attractions stimulating economic and job growth.”

Council is now inviting the community to help shape the future of the Gosford waterfront by:

• Viewing the concept plan
• Reading the frequently asked questions
• Registering for a virtual drop-in information session
• Contributing to and joining the conversation on the interactive concept plan and sharing ideas, suggestions and opinions
• Providing feedback via the online feedback form

Mr Farmer said the feedback received through this initial consultation phase and subsequent phases will inform the next level of detail for the initiative, which is a detailed masterplan down the track.

“Let Council know what is important to you so that we can ensure the final design reflects the values of our community.”

Community consultation is open from 18 October to 1 December 2022.

To have your say visit here