With strong community and business support to “just get on with it”, and a confirmed commitment from the NSW Government of $8.5M in initial funding, Central Coast Council is set to modify the original design drawings for the Gosford waterfront revitalisation to reflect community feedback during the consultation phase.
Suggestions given which will be considered in the design modifications include: reducing visual impacts from Gosford City and Industree Group Stadium to Brisbane Water where possible; providing an alternative public ferry wharf location closer to the foreshore; improving boat and ferry access to the marina and public boat ramp; improving pedestrian access across Central Coast Hwy; and incorporating more green space.
Once the design is altered, Council will progress to the next phase, which is a series of technical studies to inform development of a detailed waterfront masterplan.
These will include: environmental/ biodiversity studies; geotechnical and hydrological studies; flooding and coastal hazard analysis; transport and pedestrian investigation; full site survey; and investigation of infrastructure services.
Council’s Director Environment and Planning Alice Howe said the community feedback had 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,” she said.
“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 training camps for two dominant international teams.
“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.”
Howe said the revitalised waterfront, along with the development and investment going into Gosford CBD in education, health and accommodation, would make Gosford, and by association the Central Coast, a truly global city.
Council CEO David Farmer said Council would engage with key NSW government stakeholders to support a whole-of-government approach to development of the waterfront masterplan and co-ordinated 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,” he said.
“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.”
To find out more visit: https://www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/gosfordwaterfront
Source:
Central Coast Council