Now that the Council has given three clear options as to the future of the Gosford Library it remains to be seen which is adopted.
To anyone who wants the building to remain, clearly Option 2 is the only choice.
Option 3 is, in my opinion, Option 1 in disguise.
Leaving the building with no use means that it will deteriorate rapidly and then give those on Council who oppose the retention an excuse to have it demolished.
To say that the new library complex will satisfy community needs is ridiculous.
May I suggest Council take a trip to the Concourse in Chatswood where they will see a town centre well designed and fulfilling all the needs of the community.
If this Council had any vision they would act boldly, purchase the buildings between Kibble Park and the Aland building, demolish them and use the space to create a plaza more fitting to community needs.
The use of some vision, one-way streets and good planning might then see some progress.
It will be interesting to see if we get the same old tired 8-7 vote (from councillors) in the end.
Email, Aug 5
Geoff Mitchell, Kariong
Counterproposal to your demolition proposal: make Mann Street bus-only from Vaughan Avenue to Erina Street, then extend the sidewalks into the former road space. Still provides extra public space, but it’s much cheaper (only requiring some bricks and some red paint), plus it would improve public transport access to Gosford and make the street more pleasant to walk on/near. Call it Gosford’s budget version of George Street, if you will – similar effect, just with buses instead of trams.
I do agree with your other sentiments, though. Demolishing the old library would be foolish, to say the least
*Georgiana Terrace, not Vaughan Avenue – can’t block off the access road for the new development at 35-37 Mann Street.
No point in improving public transport access if there is nought to do when the public transport does reach Gosford
Chicken and egg.
Community building means more transport accessibility is needed. Public transport makes it easier for community building to happen. Someone needs to take the first step