Despite its financial woes, Central Coast Council is forging ahead with plans for the Gosford Regional Library and is set to lodge a development application to the NSW Department of Planning to commence work.
Council will also soon begin the tender process for the demolition of the library’s future site at 123A Donnison St.
Administrator Dick Persson said the project, which stalled following the suspension of councillors last October, has generated a high level of community interest and will deliver significant value into the region.
“This is something that the community has wanted for a long time and will no doubt enrich the lives of Central Coast locals for generations to come,” Persson said.
“Libraries play an integral part in creating liveable and sustainable cities and Gosford Regional Library will act as an important community hub where residents and visitors alike can connect, share and learn within the heart of the Gosford CBD.
“The future of this library is a question I have been asked about a lot which shows its importance to our community and I am pleased to be able to play this role in moving the project ahead.”
Plans for the state-of-the-art library include a dedicated library space, Council customer service centre, library administration, meeting rooms, flexible function spaces, maker/creator spaces and collaboration and innovation spaces for the community over four levels.
The project is being funded through a $7M commitment under the Federal Government’s Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s Community Grants Program, $8.1M raised by the former Gosford Council Special Rate Variation and $4.1M generated through the sale of 136-146 Donnison St, Gosford.
Additionally, Council has approved the use of $8.5M in Developer Contributions from Section 7.12 of the contribution plan.
“Following a review of available Developer Contributions, staff have identified that Gosford Regional Library is part of the Section 7.12 contributions plan, reducing the need to use the restrictions identified from the sale proceeds of Kibbleplex,” Perrson said.
“This project would not be possible without the commitment from the Federal Government, as well as from the local community who helped pay for the library over many years through the former Gosford City Council’s special rate levy.”
The library is set for completion by October, 2023.
Source:
Media release, Feb 9
Central Coast Council