The West Gosford Shopping Centre is set to be completely revitalised, with a Development Application (DA) on public exhibition until October 31 outlining a $2.23M revamp of the site.
Bought by Mintus Properties Pty Ltd for a reported $23M earlier in 2019, the shopping centre has languished in recent years, with numerous tenants shutting their doors. But all that is about to change, with the DA lodged with Central Coast Council outlining a three stage redevelopment which will see major alterations to existing buildings and the addition of a childcare centre and a fast food outlet.
Stage one would see the fast food outlet constructed, with 50 indoor seats and a drivethrough, catering for 16 cars. Stage two would see alterations, including demolition of existing walls and fit-outs on the first floor, converting existing office space to an 81 place childcare centre•and a gym. Stage three would see major renovations to the ground level, including the demolition of the existing tavern, resheeting and reconfiguration of the carpark, providing four more parking spaces than at present, making a total of 209, and the introduction of new shade sails.
There would be new car entry points, a play area and forecourt refurbishment with outdoor seating and feature trees. A new mall and shopfront to the Coles supermarket entry would see a pedestrian arcade from Brisbane Water Dve, including a feature ceiling•and upgrades to building facades.
The amenities are also set for an upgrade and there will be landscaping along the boundaries. Documents lodged with the application say it aims to provide a “strong identity” for the Coles supermarket and a significant improvement to the activation of this part of the centre. It also aims to improve access, amenity and accessibility, paving the way for a “strong centre identity”.
But not everyone is happy with the project, with more than 30 submissions already received, many of them critical of the plan to include the fast food outlet. With an outlet of the same fast food chain already located on the Central Coast Hwy at West Gosford, objections have been raised to the extra traffic and loss of amenity that the new one could create. Various submissions call instead for a family restaurant alternative or an up market delicatessen.
Source: Central Coast Council website DA tracker, Oct 24