Calls ramp up to save Gosford Library

More than 1,000 signatures have been collected on a petition to save the existing Gosford Library building after the new regional library opens.

Community activist Joy Cooper, who started the petition, has written to Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart asking him to review his decision on the building’s proposed demolition and consider repurposing it.

Cooper said the civic building had historic significance and historical association, along with architectural importance to the area.

“It is listed by the Australian Institute of Architects on a Register of Significant Buildings in NSW and is perfect for adaptive reuse to be used as an income stream,” she said.

Cooper said she was also concerned that there had been no published costing for the demolition and no cost benefit analysis for options.

“It is also my understanding the previous and current Council Heritage Committees recommended listing this building,” she said.

“Additionally the National Trust has heritage listed (it) and the building is also considered significant by the Australian institute of Architects.

“I’m also told Council has a responsibility to prepare a statement of heritage impact for non-statutory heritage listings and to date this has not occurred.”

Cooper said consultation on the future of the building was “flimsy”, with the demolition proposal unclear.

“The demolition of this building is such a waste when the cost of building is so much higher than the cost of adaptive reuse,” she said.

“Especially when there are so many community groups who would benefit from this space.

“Additionally, I’m amazed that this tender had been included with a building around the corner (the Broadwater Hotel site), and up the road.

“Surely for transparency and clarity the two sites need to be separate for tenders.”

Cooper said the State Government Architect had been clear that the Gosford library building was best to be retained and adaptive reuse considered.

“Finally, how can a tender be agreed to when the costs and other variables that are entailed are not clear as there can be a number of conditions placed on the demolition which usually only become clear with a DA,” she said.

Council says the existing library, which has served the community well but is now past its life span, would require a significant investment to bring it up to current standards, as well as ongoing maintenance.

It says the building is not listed on any local or state heritage listings and will not be demolished until the completion and opening of the new Regional Library, anticipated mid-2025.

“The site of the existing Gosford Library is incorporated into the Kibble Park Place Master Plan, which will see more open green and play spaces, dedicated event spaces and cultural features,” a spokesperson said.

“Tenders are now being sought for the demolition of both the Gosford Library and the former Broadwater Hotel.

“No demolition works have yet commenced on the site but Council will ensure compliance with the requirements of the relevant State Environmental Planning Policies prior to demolition works commencing.”

The petition can be accessed at https://www.change.org/search?q=gosford%20library&offset=0