Central Coast Council and the University of Newcastle have announced an exciting collaboration in the soon-to-be completed Gosford Regional Library.
Located on the top floor of the new library, the MakerSpace will provide an inclusive space for students, community members and local businesses to learn, create and innovate using low and high-tech equipment, with the aim of fostering social connection, developing technical skills and encouraging experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the space would be run by both Council and the University – ensuring it offered a service and opportunity for students and the broader community alike.
“The new Gosford Regional Library is a modern and iconic building in the heart of the Gosford central business district, which will add to the growing capabilities and offerings of the city and the region as a whole,” she said.
“It is much more than a traditional library, and this collaboration with the University of Newcastle is indicative of what it can offer to other organisations and community groups who want to utilise this extraordinary facility.”
Under the agreement, the University of Newcastle will provide modern equipment as well as the expertise of its staff to work alongside Council staff to deliver creative opportunities for the community and university students.
Equipment in the MakerSpace will include 3D printing machines, virtual reality goggles, sewing machines and Cricut machines.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said the collaboration highlighted a continued commitment to the region.
“The Central Coast is rapidly transforming, and we want our university to be part of that transformation,” he said.
“By partnering with Central Coast Council to deliver the MakerSpace in the new library, we hope to provide a modern collaborative space for the community.
“We’re excited for people to use the space to work together, innovate, share ideas, tackle challenges and bring projects to life.
“I extend my thanks to the Mayor and CEO of Central Coast Council for helping to bring this collaboration to life.”
Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said he looked forward to the opening of the Regional Library and the opportunities it would offer across all demographics of the community.
“We welcome this important partnership between Central Coast Council and the University of Newcastle,” he said.
“Together we are stronger, and our collaboration will help us provide new, state-of-the-art services for our community.”
The $32.7M 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 the former Gosford City Council) and Council funds restricted to this project.
For more information, including frequently asked questions, concept plans and all updates on the project, search Gosford Regional Library at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
