Central Coast Council’s concept plan for redevelopment of the Gosford waterfront is now open for public comment until December 1.
Endorsed at the September 27 meeting, the plan stretches along the entire waterfront from the railway line to beyond the Sailing Club and includes a mix of commercial, retail and accommodation options, along with a ferry terminal, outdoor recreational areas and even an amphitheatre.
The plan also incorporates a public building, a ferry terminal over by the rail bridge; a walkway atop a seawall encircling the development; a pedestrian bridge over Dane Dr for access from Leagues Club Park to the waterfront; and an expanded water playground outside Gosford Pool.
The community is now invited to submit ideas, feedback and opinions.
Council worked with key stakeholders to develop the concept plan including the Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council, Greater Cities Commission, Crown Lands, TAFE and The University of Newcastle.
It also integrated existing research and information collected through various projects including the Gosford Challenge, Gosford Our City, Our Destiny Masterplan and Gosford Urban Design Framework.
Council CEO, David Farmer, said the re-imagining of the waterfront is a long-term project which will stimulate significant employment and economic activity through the planning, development and operational phases.
“Gosford is recognised as the Central Coast’s principal city in the NSW Government’s Greater Cities Plan,” Farmer said.
“For Gosford to realise its potential, it must be connected to its waterfront, and the waterfront must be a place for people.”
council ceo, david farmer
“As identified by the NSW Government, Gosford is the chosen city for new university and TAFE campuses, and the NSW Government’s faster train proposal.
“Gosford’s waterfront integrates and enhances these investments positioning Gosford as the principal city delivering higher order jobs, first class healthcare and education for the region.
“We want to be very clear with the community however – this is not a project Council would deliver.
“We are doing the early work, but the intention is to hand this project over to an experienced Government agency to take the lead.”
Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said the time is right to make Gosford an iconic waterfront city.
“Revitalisation of the Gosford waterfront is the Central Coast’s key enabling project,” he said.
“It re-imagines the waterfront as not only a major opportunity for the city’s renewal, but a chance for Gosford City to join the great waterfronts of the world.
“The waterfront is a place for people.
“It will support local jobs, housing and education, (meaning) our young people won’t need to leave the Central Coast for employment and training.
“With this development Gosford will become vibrant with foreshore entertainment, maritime services, tourism and residential living, and improved public domain.”
council administrator, rik hart
“From every angle, whether it be looking at the water, or looking back toward the CBD, the waterfront precinct will bring Gosford together through growing residency, and visitor attractions stimulating economic and job growth.”
The plan has so far met a mixed community reaction, with Central Coast Friends of Democracy spokesperson, Jane Smith, criticising Council for what she says is a “staggering” lack of transparency.
Smith said she was concerned at a lack of information and “haste to change planning rules”.
The community can now: view the concept plan; read frequently asked questions; register for a virtual drop-in information session; share ideas, suggestions and opinions; and provide feedback via the online feedback form.
Farmer said the feedback received through this initial consultation phase and subsequent phases will inform the next level of detail for the initiative, which is a detailed masterplan down the track.
To have your say visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/gosfordwaterfront
Terry Collins
where is the public boat ramp for trailer boats and parking
Look no further than the Warners Bay waterfront area for how to develop a true public facility. Thats the type of waterfront I’d like to see here.
This plan must take a holistic approach to the development of the Gosford region with traffic management being a major concern. will there be any consideration to to provide new roadways around Gosford to service the eastern suburbs?