The renewed Visitor Information Centre at The Entrance has already attracted thousands of visitors since it opened to the public in April.
Officially opened by Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart on Tuesday, May 16, the centre already affectionately known as the ‘VIC’, is proving a valuable source of information for visitors wanting to know what to see and where to go on the Coast.
Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the impact of the upgrade and improvements made to the VIC, including making it more accessible for all, is being reflected in visitor comments to staff at the Centre.
“Since it opened to the pubic in early April, there have been more than 4,371 people visit the centre,” she said.
“Visitors have included locals and people visiting the Coast looking for information on what to do and see.
“The new interactive aspects of the VIC as well as our terrific staff made up of volunteers and Council staff, are ensuring that information is easy to access, and advice readily offered.
“The new accessible public facilities which include male, female and unisex toilets, a parents’ room and an adult accessible changeroom facility are also being appreciated by users.”
The Entrance is one of the Central Coast’s most popular tourist destinations and prior to COVID, the former centre welcomed 27,600 visitors through its doors each year.
“We are confident that the investment in the renewed VIC will help add to the Coast’s reputation as a welcoming destination, with information readily available to visitors,” Smith said.
“As well as the general renewed facilities, the updated event space will also improve our capacity to attract and host large-scale events and festivals – all overlooking the beautiful waterways that surround The Entrance.”
A practical feature of the renewed facility is that residents can pay their rates, register their dog or cat, or lodge a general enquiry through the Customer Service point every Monday from 9am to 4.30pm.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the official opening of the updated Visitor Information Centre was the culmination of great teamwork in the design, collaboration with contractors and staff, and now the ongoing first-class customer service to visitors.
“We prioritised this important project to not only respond to what the local community want, but to also help drive tourism and economic spend and create a year-round space for all locals and visitors to enjoy,” he said.
The completed multi-purpose facility includes: an interactive Visitor Information Centre; new and modern amenities including 24/7 adult accessible change facility and event toilets; improved layout and decking for community and visitor use; a dedicated space for local makers and creators to entice visitors to take home something from the Coast; and a bookable function area with a modern event space and purpose-built green room.
Federal Member of Dobell Emma McBride said she was delighted the renewed centre was already proving its worth and providing such a great service to visitors.
“The investment by the Federal Government and Central Coast Council will help support local businesses, particularly in tourism and hospitality, as well as providing an opportunity for volunteers to give back to their community they are so proud of,” she said.
The centre is managed by Council with Council staff and volunteers working there and sits under the accredited Visitor Information Centre program delivered by The Tourism Group on behalf of Destination NSW.
The Visitor Information Centre is open to the public seven days per week from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Residents and businesses wanting to enquire about booking the meeting room space located within the centre should contact 02 4304 7211.
The Entrance Visitor Information Centre Refurbishment project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Central Coast Council.
The federal funding of $29,000 was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, which supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects.
Source:
Central Coast Council