A Central Coast Council spokesperson said Council staff were happy to meet with Mr Richard Chiu to discuss his plans for the revitalisation of Old Sydney Town, after Mr Chiu said that he would revamp the historic attraction if Council was prepared to rezone 30 per cent of the surrounding landholding for residential and commercial development.
Old Sydney Town occupies just 10 per cent of Mr Chiu’s Somersby landholding, and he has said a rezoning would curb the financial risk of revitalising Old Sydney Town.
The land is currently zoned as rural.
Mr Chiu said he wanted to see Old Sydney Town return as a heritage theme park, which he would redevelop at his own cost, provided the rezoning took place.
When Coast Community News questioned Council about Mr Chiu’s proposal, a spokesperson issued this statement: “Land owners who wish to rezone land can lodge a planning proposal with Council with relevant technical studies to justify the proposed use of that land in accordance with the Central Coast Regional Plan, local planning strategies and environmental attributes of the site.
“Council encourages open and honest discussion with landowners about their plans and the owner of the Old Sydney Town site is welcome to meet with Council to discuss his plans at any time.”
Source:
Media statement, Oct 16
Central Coast Council Media