The existing Union Hotel on the corner of Mann St and Donnison St
Inset: An artist’s impression of Mariners Plaza
The green light has finally been given for two major developments in the Gosford CBD, bringing the value of total approvals in the CBD, since October 2014, up to over for $300 million.
The Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) gave the go ahead for two landmark developments at its third meeting on Thursday, May 14.
The JRPP approved a $157 million mixed use development right in the heart of Mann St and a $36.6 million retail and shop top housing development in Erina St.
According to Gosford Council, the development on the corner of Mann St and Donnison St includes a podium with two towers above rising up to 28 storeys.
It will house a 134-room hotel, a supermarket and 276 residential apartments.
The development will include 476 on-site car parking spaces and commercial and retail premises.
The development on the corner of Erina St and Henry Parry Dr includes a podium with two towers above rising up to 15 storeys.
It will include 180 residential units, 184 onsite car parking spaces and retail premises.
Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna hailed the decision as the defining moment in Gosford’s rejuvenation.
“There’s no doubt that the approval of these two landmark developments has now set the course for Gosford’s destiny,” Cr McKinna said.
“Just the economic and social benefits that will flow from having a much needed tourist facility in Gosford as well as an iconic structure to identify the city centre are set to be massive.
“This is the game changer we knew Gosford needed and the one we’ve been working so hard for over the last two years.”
Gosford Council’s CEO, Mr Paul Anderson said Gosford’s new era of growth and opportunity had well and truly arrived after the panel’s decision.
“These approvals go with the $120.8 million worth of development council has already approved since October last year,” Mr Anderson said.
“I think it’s safe to say that the cranes are coming to the skies over Gosford along with the world-class city the Central Coast deserves,” he said.
“The approval of these two landmark developments… represents an historic day for the revitalisation of our city,” said Gosford City Chamber president, Ms Ali Vidler.
She said approval of these two substantial developments should encourage further major development projects, employment and economic growth in the Gosford CBD.
“Gosford City Chamber of Commerce can’t wait to see the cranes in the CBD.
“They have been a long time coming,” Ms Vidler said. Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP, said the JRPP go ahead was a welcomed and a landmark decision.
“Congratulations must go to Gosford Council and all who have been working hard to deliver on this important milestone for the Central Coast,” Ms Wicks said.
“This demonstrates the value of believing in Gosford as the capital city of the Central Coast.
“I applaud Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, CEO Mr Paul Anderson, the councillors and the panel for recognising why we must rejuvenate Gosford.
“This is certainly a new era of jobs, growth and opportunity for our region and it’s clear that there will be significant ongoing economic and social benefits.
“Our community is set to thrive on the back of these positive announcements for Gosford, which will have flow on effects for the entire Central Coast.
“The announcement caps an historic week for the Coast, and demonstrates why we need to keep investing in, and continue to fight for, our great Central Coast,” Ms Wicks said.
The State Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP, also welcomed the news that the two developments had been approved.
“These key developments will pave the way for future residential and commercial projects in the Gosford town centre at a time when the CBD is in urgent need of economic stimulus,” said Mr. Crouch.
“The decision by the JRPP mirrors community sentiment in that these developments are a catalyst for positive change and growth” he said.
Council had recommended that the JRPP approve both developments, but the panel’s decision had been deferred due to administrative errors at its first two meetings to discuss them.
Significant developments worth over $20 million must be referred to the JRPP for approval.
Media release,
14 May 2015
Gosford Council media
Media release,
14 May 2015
Tim Sowden, Office of
Lucy Wicks MP
Media release,
14 May 2015
Debra Wales, media
advisor, Adam Crouch MP
Media release,
15 May 2015
Alison Vidler, president,
Gosford City Chamber of
Commerce and Industry