The former Gosford council chambers site will be sold on the open market if TAFE does not buy the land by the middle of next year.
Central Coast Council has a contract of sale with TAFE but it has been extended since originally signed with the previous NSW government in 2021.
If the contract of sale is for any reason rescinded by either party before July 31, 2025, CEO David Farmer is now authorised to invite open market offers for any or all of the Gosford CBD sites, following a decision by Administrator Rik Hart at Council’s July 23 meeting.
“On account of multiple challenges to the expected level of state revenue, which have been publicly identified by both the NSW Premier and the NSW Treasurer, it has not been possible for the State Government to confirm funding approval for the purchase of the site as part of the 2024 State Budget as was previously expected,” Council’s report says.
“Accordingly, senior representatives of NSW TAFE reached out to Council to seek further time for the funding approval at State Government level to be confirmed and finalised.
“A letter has been provided from TAFE confirming the continued interest in extending the contract for a further 12 months and that the contract price be reviewed and updated to reflect a revised value that reflects the current circumstances of the consolidated holdings.”
Council entered into an agreement with TAFE and Landcom in December 2021 to sell its Mann St land, including the former Gosford council building, for a new TAFE precinct.
Under the deal, the current NSW TAFE Gosford campus (35,340sqm of developable land) which is located on Henry Parry Dr, behind the former council building, would be used for social and affordable housing.
Gosford sites included in the sale are: 126 Georgiana Tce; 49-51 Mann St; 53 Mann St; 55-57 Mann St; 59-71 Mann St; 73 Mann St, and 75 Mann St.
Some of that land was bought by Council when a regional performing arts precinct was going to be built in the area.
Merilyn Vale