Submissions on a major three tower development proposed for Mann St, Gosford, will be invited from the public from September 7-October 4.
The Gosford Gateway Centre would see the existing Gateway Centre opposite Gosford railway station incorporated into a $300M mixed use precinct which would include a hotel, commercial and retail premises, entertainment options, student accommodation and seniors housing.
To be considered for approval as a State Significant Development by the Department of Planning, the development would also provide 1,200m car spaces.
ADG Architects announced their vision for the site earlier this year, saying it was locally driven, with a strong focus on adaptive reuse and sustainability.
ADG Architects Principal, Anthony Kelly, said the towers would be split by a large public plaza of landscaped green spaces and building materials and practices would all be renewable.
Activated by restaurants, bars and cafes, the plaza would provide an important connection between Gosford CBD, the railway station and the bus interchange that operates opposite the site, he said.
Submissions from both Central Coast Council and Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) are both available for viewing on the department’s Major Projects website.
Council’s submission calls for more information on overshadowing possibilities of open space and adjoining properties, more detail on the Faunce and Mann Sts corner and social and economic impacts and benefits.
The submission also points out that the engagement and relocation of key community and family services and cultural facilities currently located on the site should be a priority.
It also raises concerns that the proposed height of the development significantly exceeds the 36m height limit for the site under State Environmental Planning Policy (Gosford City Centre) 2018, with a maximum height of approximately 125m.
CCLHD’s submission also raises concerns over proposed height and the possible impact on the CBS and seeks more information on the composition of residential and commercial/retail components.
It asks for more information on the number of apartments anticipated to be built, the anticipated number of people to be accommodated within these, the age/demographic of this group and how the associated service demand generated by tower residents will be met.
It also wants more information on how parking spaces will be allocated, how the use of public transport will be encouraged within the design, and noise management, vibration and air quality during development phases.
The submission says the inclusion of a public health service area in the new development will need to consider availability and placement of patient parking particularly if the current overhead walkway is proposed to be demolished.
The full submission can be found on the Department of Planning Major Projects website.
Terry Collins