After years of planning and several location changes, work finally began on the regional library in Donnison St, Gosford, with a sod turning ceremony on Tuesday, January 16.
A regional library has been a long time coming.
It was once earmarked to be located in the former Kibbleplex building on Henry Parry Dr, which was bought by Gosford Council in 2011 for $11M specifically for that purpose.
At the time, Council applied for $7M in Federal Government funding to subsidise the purchase and agreed to redevelop the site as a regional library and smart work hub.
But by 2015, Council had had a change of heart and sold the Kibbleplex building to property developer the Lederer Group for $13M amid much controversy.
A site adjacent Gosford Council chambers in Mann St was then mooted, before Council announced plans in 2018 for a major cultural precinct on a large block of land between Mann and Donnison Sts to house the library, as well as a performing arts centre, linking walkways and car parking.
But in October 2019, Council abandoned the cultural precinct plan amid fears that costs could blow out to more than $200M and it was announced the regional library would be developed as a stand-alone project.
Subsequently, the site of the former Parkside building in Donnison St was chosen.
And now, following several years of design modifications and hold-ups, the building is becoming a reality.
Council Administrator Rik Hart was joined by Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and North Construction & Building (North) Managing Director Matthew Cook to ceremonially turn the first sod.
Hart said the library was still on track to be formally opened in early 2025.
“The new library will be the first of its kind for the Central Coast and will offer an iconic building in the heart of the Gosford central business district, where the community can connect, create and collaborate,” he said.
“This next step is another visible sign of the continuing growth and development of Gosford, which is evident by the number of cranes and activity going on in the CBD.
“This project will enormously contribute to Gosford, and ultimately the Central Coast, to be a first-class region for employment, education, health and tourism.”
The project is jointly funded with $7M from the Australian Government’s Community Development Grant Program and Council’s collection of developer contributions, special levies (collected by former Gosford City Council) and Council funds restricted to the project.
North Managing Director Matthew Cook said the sod turning ceremony was a milestone to be celebrated by all stakeholders.
“We couldn’t be prouder to once again be involved on a hugely important project for the Central Coast region,” he said.
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the Australian Government understood that libraries provided a range of services and that they were important places for learning, collaboration, and community support.
“I look forward to watching this significant development take shape over the coming months,” he said.
For more information including frequently asked questions (FAQs), concept plans and all updates on the project visit: https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/council/council-news/gosford-regional-library-project
Terry Collins
About time. I came to Gosford in 1998 to build the library but council rejected every proposal put forward at least i built Kincumber, Erina, Kariong and Woy Woy libraries. Not too sure if Gosford is now the place to build it since we now have a bigger council. Just hope there is lots of parking and a huge increase in the budget to run it.