Gosford Erina Business Chamber (GEBC) is all in favour of Central Coast Council’s plan to revitalise the Gosford waterfront and is calling for positivity in the face of opposition from environmental groups.
President Peter Lawley said a submission lodged in response to the Council’s draft plan had the full support of more than 150 business operators/owners (members of GEBC) who represent what the Chamber sees as “a great opportunity to push the City of Gosford ahead”.
“If the waterfront progresses, then development confidence will occur,” he said.
“In addition, the GEBC has been active with Council over the past years in regards to the current wharf scenario and is pleased to now see action has happened to improve this area, with the boats that were moored for so many years at no charge gone.
“Well done to Central Coast Council for addressing this public asset.”
The Chamber’s submission says it considers the plan to revitalise the Gosford waterfront as an opportunity to firmly establish Gosford as the gateway to the Central Coast.
“This investment in the Gosford waterfront is a significant opportunity to infuse economic growth, promote lifestyle improvement and establish a destination for local, national and international visitors,” it says.
“The GEBC does not view this plan in isolation but as part of the broader Gosford revitalisation, which includes approvals for the new university, plans for changes to the TAFE campus and the current developments in progress or in the pipeline for residential and commercial buildings.
“The GEBC and the business community strongly support the concept plans, along with Council’s intention to combine key stakeholders in the development proposals and garner interagency collaboration on the project, along with private equity and development groups to invest in the proposal.”
The submission says the plan will: stimulate economic and job growth, including tourism for the Central Coast; aim for achievable, realistic, financially, and economically viable goals; develop Gosford waterfront and Central Coast Stadium to become a key destination and drawcard for investment opportunities, new business, visitors, locals, and tourists; provide continuous, all accessible pedestrian links and connectivity along the foreshore and to the stadium, town centre, station, hospital, public pool, outdoor recreation areas and the proposed Point Clare cycle link; provide benefits for the local community and stakeholders; and provide further options for housing and accommodation in the heart of the City.
“These plans will encourage and enhance current business activities in the Gosford CBD, creating employment and reducing the daily outflow of Central Coast residents to work in Sydney and surrounds,” it says.
With the project linked to the education opportunities in Gosford, the submission says the big winners will be the youth of the Central Coast who will be able to continue to live, work, enjoy and benefit from a “lifestyle city” which has for too long been neglected and ignored by numerous governments and agencies.
“The Gosford Erina Business Chamber commends Central Coast Council’s release of this concept plan and its forward vision,” the submission says.
“The GEBC is keen to collaborate with Council and offers its support as part of the implementation process and will seek to engage Council with recommendations concerning related matters (eg transport and parking).
“GEBC can also act as a conduit/forum to all business groups as this plan progresses.”
Source:
Media release, Dec 27
Gosford Erina Business Chamber
My suggestion to the council from past experience working with developers and communities is that the council should apply a small % levy to any new development for the use of acquiring public art. This value for the art can be purchased by the developer to be incorporated into his development or the developer can donate the funds to council to be used to purchase a price of public art. This funding into public art will increase awareness and attract people to come to the area.