[Audio available] A private developer and owner of the Imperial Centre has acquired Kibbleplex from Gosford Council and has promised to deliver a complete reinvigoration of Gosford’s ‘civic heart’ over the next 15 to 20 years.
Lederer Property have unveiled their purchase of the empty Kibbleplex building and their plans to develop a proposed new urban precinct in the Gosford CBD. The total capital investment in today’s dollars will be $650 million and the new precinct is expected to house around 4,000 people in 1,600 apartments. Lederer Property’s general manager of property, Mr Marek Ristwej said the purchase price of the Kibbleplex building remained commercial in confidence as the sale transaction had not yet been settled between Lederer and Gosford Council.
The group has described the plan as an “exciting and unprecedented 15-20 year vision to transform the heart of Gosford CBD”. The Master Plan for ‘Gosford Alive’ outlines a proposal to bring to life a thriving new urban precinct across a 5.8-hectare site in Gosford CBD, just minutes from Gosford Train Station. Once complete, the Master Plan will deliver new homes and employment opportunities for the city, accommodating population growth and enabling Gosford to establish itself as the capital of the Central Coast.
The Gosford Alive Master Plan has been developed in partnership with world class architects Conybeare Morrison (CM+). It includes the complete transformation of Kibble Park into a popular family destination incorporating new water features, a multi-purpose performance space, enhanced playground, new cafés and restaurants and a market venue. The Park will become a buzzing focal point for the revitalised CBD, according to Lederer Property.
On the site of the existing Kibbleplex Centre, Lederer Property intends to build a contemporary mix of apartments, featuring striking architecture that reflects and celebrates the region’s natural beauty. The apartment precinct will be delivered over the next fi ve years, heralding a new city living experience for Gosford. Residents will benefit from new shopping, food and entertainment experiences with an additional 8,000 square metres of retail/commercial space and 300 more parking spaces, proposed as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Imperial Centre.
This will happen over the project’s 15-20 year horizon and extends on the work Lederer Property has already done at the Imperial Centre. Due to the capital investment value of the project, NSW planning legislation requires that the DA is determined by the Joint Regional Planning Panel who will make the decision based on the report provide by Gosford Council.
“Lederer Property is committed to creating a vibrant, welcoming city centre for the Central Coast Region that delivers long-term benefits to the community, Mr Ristwej said. “As such, residents are invited to drop in to a series of community events being held across the city throughout February and March including: Gosford Alive pop up at ‘Sundae in the Park’, a Gosford Alive pop up city tour, and community information sessions.” Starting on February 29, Gosford Alive is hosting free fitness camps in Kibble Park in partnership with sporting personality, Jane Flemming. Residents can find out more about the sessions and how to get involved at the ‘Sundae in the Park’ event at Kibble Park on February 28.
Media release, Feb 22, 2016 Natalie Cameron, DEC PR Interview, Feb 24, 2016 Marek Ristwej, Lederer Property Jackie Pearson, journalist