A vacant, unkempt site on the corner of Coral St and Torrens Ave at The Entrance could be transformed into a gateway to the town centre from the west if a six-storey commercial and residential development goes ahead.
A proposal put to Central Coast Council says that the strategically located land parcel of 1,092sqm is a gross under-capitalisation, considering the zoning allows higher density development up to 23m.
The vacant site is a poor entry into the town centre from the west, the development application (DA) says.
Plans are to consolidate two lots and build a six-storey building wrapping around the Coral St/Torrens Ave corner comprising three commercial premises on the ground floor with 12 residential units above and 15 car parking spaces over two basement levels.
The intention is to expand the town centre westward to bookend commercial activity, provide a gateway development into the centre along its western edges, and supply much-needed residential housing.
The 12 units will comprise four each of one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom residences over levels one to five and a communal open space on the roof top.
There will be 15 car parking spaces over two basement levels for the commercial premises, residents and visitors with access off Farrell Lane at the rear of the property.
Public comment on the development application (1809/2022) is open on Central Coast Council’s website until Monday, October 17.
Sue Murray
Key Urban Planning was recently involved in a Court conciliation process involving a development application for the refurbishment of The Entrance Cinema. The building is derelict and is located in a prime location within the town centre. One would have thought that Central Coast Council would see the proposal to revitalise the site as something of merit and worthy of support. Not the case.The delays and obstructions placed by council raise serious concerns about the direction, or lack of, that Council has for the future of the Coast.