A major revamp of the West Gosford Shopping Centre was given the green light at a special meeting of the Central Coast Local Planning Panel on September 3, despite objections from nearby residents to possible impacts of a Hungry Jack’s outlet to be included in the redevelopment.
The panel deferred a decision on the proposal on July 23, pending a further report from proponent Mintus Properties on how proposed landscaping might impact on car parking spaces, but the report, subsequently supplied on August 25, satisfied the panel’s concerns.
Despite receiving 43 submissions, most of which expressed concerns about traffic, noise and visual impacts of the 24-hour drive through fast food outlet, panel members were satisfied the proponent’s solution of a 2.7m acoustic wall and landscaping would adequately address these issues.
Residents in the adjacent townhouse complex remain concerned that the proposed acoustic wall will block sunlight from their gardens, restrict daylight entering their ground floor rooms and do little to mitigate noise.
But town planner Jonathon Wood from ThinkPlanners told the panel on July 23 that an acoustic report had shown impacts would be acceptable given the provision of the acoustic barrier between the carpark site and the townhouses.
A condition of the approval is that an acoustic assessment of operational noise emissions from the premises must be supplied, at three months intervals for a period of 12 months after the restaurant begins operating.
The assessment is to be undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced Acoustic Consultant and is to identify any areas where further noise mitigation measures may be required.
Stage one will see the fast food outlet constructed, with 50 indoor seats and a drive-through, catering for 16 cars.
Stage two will 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 and Stage three will see major renovations to the ground level, including the demolition of the existing tavern, re-sheeting and reconfiguration of the carpark and the introduction of new shade sails.
Construction works have been restricted to between the hours of 7am and 5pm Monday to Saturday.
A spokesperson for Mintus said the company would deliver an outstanding village upgrade that locals can be proud of.
“The facelift will showcase tones and textures drawn from the Coast’s natural surrounds including stunning sandstone features and lush local landscapes creating a sense of seaside serenity,” the spokesperson said.
The redesign will feature a regraded flat car park and large shade sails.
“New designer bathrooms will enhance the overall shopping experience paired with purpose-built parents’ rooms,” the spokesperson said.
The Hungry Jack’s outlet will feature indoor and outdoor seating as well as a drive-through.
The Kids Club Child Care Centre aims to set new service standards for growing young families in the area, catering for 81 children in a Disney-inspired play area with integrated learning technologies and safe movement zones.
Confirmed tenants include a full-size Coles supermarket, Moe’s Barbers and the Golden Thai Restaurant.
Terry Collins