Members of the Performing Arts Precinct (FOPAP) management committee have expressed their disappointment on reading the Coast Community News article (Sep 9, 2015) regarding the decision to build the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on the site of the demolished Gosford Public School.
“Shame, shame, shame, after many consultations with the community, deputations and petitions with thousands of names supporting the building of a performing arts precinct with a new conservatorium, the community is being ignored once again,” FOPAP committee member, Ms Margaret Hardy said. “
The importance of this site in enhancing the beauty of Gosford and the facilities here for the community is enormous. “How wonderful would it have been to come across the Brian McGowan Bridge and see a community concert hall with ongoing activities enjoyed by people of all ages,” Ms Hardy said.
According to Ms Hardy the old school site was the ideal location for the concept of the Performing Arts Centre and would bring far more benefit to Gosford than the ATO. “Why would an offi ce block be built on prime land which should be available to everyone? “Let’s install civic pride not public resentment,” Ms Hardy said. FOPAP will continue to appeal to politicians to support the use of the site for the proposed performing arts precinct.
Media release, Sep 29, 2015 Margaret Hardy, Friends of the Performing Arts Precinct Committee