NSW Premier Chris Minns was the special guest at a topping out ceremony on September 2 for the Archibald building, a mixed-use development in the heart of Gosford, being built by Aland.
“Congratulations to Aland on such an exciting addition to the skyline of Gosford,” Minns said.
He said there was still an “astronomical” amount of red tape associated with development at the same time that the state had a huge housing crisis and something had to change.
Minns said the NSW Government had to continue its process of reform.
The September 2 event marked the topping out of Archibald’s highest tower at 28 storeys.
Named after Archibald Acheson, the second Earl of Gosford, the development includes 327 residential apartments, a 130-room hotel and six hospitality venues, including the Central Coast’s highest rooftop bar.
The Archibald was named Australia’s best mixed-use development at the 2024 Asia Pacific Property Awards.
Aland founder and owner Andrew Hrsto said the building’s distinctive curved facade was inspired by the white sails often seen on nearby Brisbane Water.
“We wanted to capture the energy and natural beauty of the Central Coast,” he said.
“The public spaces, apartments and guest rooms also channel that relaxed, coastal lifestyle vibe but with a splash of European sophistication.”
The Archibald precinct consists of two towers (27 and 28 storeys respectively), a 130-room voco® hotel, ground floor pub with pizzeria and pasta bar, a swimming pool with swim-up bar and a grand ballroom and rooftop bar on level 28.
Food and beverage venues are being curated by Sydney chef Dany Karam and include a signature restaurant on level five.
The precinct is on a site bound by Donnison St, Manns St and Baker St, where the old Union Hotel used to be.
Hrsto said the $375M Archibald precinct would not only bring new life and employment to Gosford’s downtown area, but would also help reposition the city as the state’s newest tourist and conference destination.
“There is nothing like this in Gosford,” he said.
“Voco Gosford will appeal to Sydneysiders looking for a short break, the corporate and conference market and general travellers who want to explore the Central Coast.”
Buyer demand for apartments has seen 95 per cent of the apartments already sold.
Aland CEO George Tadrosse said Gosford has much to offer the visitor, such as the nearby Brisbane Water, magnificent national parks and a string of beautiful beaches.
“Being located between Sydney and Newcastle, Gosford is also very accessible for both domestic and international visitors,” he said.
Tadrosse said the Archibald precinct complements other major developments, such as the new $63.8M University of Newcastle campus, which are helping to revive the local Gosford economy.
“The six new bars and restaurants are going to bring locals back into the city, while the conference facilities and grand ballroom will provide a venue for events that Gosford has never been able to host before,” he said.
Once it is up-and-running the hotel will employ in excess of 200 people, creating opportunities for people who want to pursue a career in catering, hospitality or event management.
“This is the beginning of a great new chapter for Gosford,” Tadrosse said.
Time to leave, no infrastructure and traffic chaos. Doesn’t inspire me at all.
Where are all those visitors / tourists going to find parking places?
Gosford hasn’t had enough parking places for many, many years.
All great and love the style of the building, but parking is and will be a major problem for anyone visiting, especially if and when there are events happening at the football stadium…I suppose council will rake in a fortune with parking infringements
Yarhoo it’s about time. I’ve lived in Gosford for nearly 25 years waiting for council to do SOMETHING. As always it takes private business to take the lead. Well done and thank you to the owners for dealing with and winning against such a inept bunch of no hopers. Gosford and surrounding suburbs can only benefit from your efforts.
the state had a huge housing crisis – said the premier. how much are these apartments? who will be buying them? not the people who are “in crisis” I wager. total misunderstanding of the housing crisis! total!