For a CBD so lacking in cultural spaces, the last thing Gosford Council should be doing is selling off Kibbleplex.
The site is the only chance to develop a centre for art, performance, technology, music and even university, museum, exhibition and educational services We lack exhibition, entertainment and performance space in the heart of the CBD for our very talented and diverse artistic community.
The expression of such cultural activities enriches and enlivens community life. People should not have to leave the CBD to satisfy these needs, they should be drawn to it. The Federal Government funded the bulk (7/11ths) of the Kibbleplex acquisition for this purpose.
The CBD’s burgeoning population needs cultural spaces as well as sporting facilities. We need a cultural centre for the broader arts community, for both education and entertainment, as well as artistic development. It belongs as a community space in a city that so far pays little heed to its own cultural development.
Kibbleplex is ideal for the purpose: near to public transport and opening onto outdoor entertainment spaces in Kibble Park. Private developers are not the responsible body to provide such cultural services for a rapidly expanding residential community in the CBD and beyond.
It is a role of local government. Selling off Kibbleplex is the last thing that should happen in the context of rapidly increasing residential spaces and hotel spaces in CBD. If it is lost to commercial activity, Gosford Council will never regain this outstanding opportunity for diverse cultural and educational development.
We can build a stadium and invest multi millions in it. Why not a cultural and educational hub too?
Letter, 23 July 2015
Kay Williams, Pearl Beach