CEN slams plans to demolish library and former hotel site

Central Coast Council’s decision to call for tenders to demolish Gosford Library and the Broadwater Hotel, before it has even lodged a development application (DA), is another example of its failure to adhere to planning rules, says the Community Environment Network (CEN).

“This has been a habit of Central Coast Council since it was placed under administration way back in 2020 and the community is fed up,” CEN Chair Gary Chestnut said.

“First, we had the attempt to reclassify community land in Mann St, Gosford, including the Gosford Council building and Broadwater Hotel, via the Local Planning Panel and without following the proper process.

“Then we had the consultation for that reclassification bundled in with other ‘Let’s talk Gosford’ issues.

“That was topped off by a public hearing held in a marquee at the back of the stadium and then two lots of community land were completely overlooked.

“Now we have the Council apparently ignoring its own Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to fast track the demolition of the existing Gosford Library without proper community consultation.

“If Central Coast Council is calling for tenders to demolish these two buildings, where are the Development Applications (DAs)?

“When will the DAs be lodged and exhibited?”

Chestnut said a DA would also give Council an opportunity to explain why demolition and not retrofitting was the best future for the iconic Gosford Library.

“With so much new housing going ahead in Gosford surely there is an argument for keeping and reusing this building as social infrastructure,” he said.

CEN said Council could serve an order to have the former Broadwater Hotel site demolished if it was deemed unsafe.

“If there is no safety issue with the former Broadwater Hotel, then again, we ask, where is the DA?” he said.

“We wonder why there is such a hurry to demolish the Broadwater Hotel when there’s been no confirmation of the site’s sale to the NSW Government for a proposed vertical TAFE.

“Does this tender mean the Council has other plans for the site that it is not sharing with the public now it is classified as operational land?

“Perhaps the Council has a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why they believe it is prudent or acceptable to call for tenders before producing a development application.

“If so, CEN believes they should explain their actions to the community.

“We consider this highly unusual, particularly during a period of administration.”

Council says the existing library, which has served the community well but is now past its life span, would require a significant investment to bring it up to current standards, as well as ongoing maintenance.

“Council is currently constructing a new 4,000sqm Regional Library in Donnison St, Gosford, which will offer four levels of state-of-the-art facilities for individuals, students, community groups and business users,” a spokesperson said.

“The (current) library is not listed on any local or state heritage listings.

“Gosford Library will not be demolished until the completion and opening of the new Regional Library, anticipated mid-2025.

“The site of the existing Gosford Library is incorporated into the Kibble Park Place Master Plan, which will see more open green and play spaces, dedicated event spaces and cultural features.

“Tenders are now being sought for the demolition of both the Gosford Library and the former Broadwater Hotel.

“The Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022 (CC LEP) does not apply to sites within the Gosford City Centre.

“The State Environmental Planning Policy (Precincts – Regional) is the appropriate planning instrument for lands within the Gosford City Centre.

“No demolition works have yet commenced on the site but Council will ensure compliance with the requirements of the relevant State Environmental Planning Policies prior to demolition works commencing.”