Twenty-five diverse community groups have signed up to the Central Coast Community Better Planning Group’s campaign to save the existing Gosford library building in Kibble Park.
The mid-20th century architecturally designed building has been slated for demolition by Central Coast Council to make way for a concrete amphitheatre, but a growing chorus of local voices wants the building kept for future generations.
“The community outcry to save this significant mid-century nuts and berries architectural gem is deep and wide,” Central Coast Community Better Planning Group spokesperson, Joy Cooper, said.
“When we initiated our Open Letter to Central Coast Council, we had 12 community groups on board.
“That has now more than doubled, and the groups are eager to speak publicly about why they want the building saved for adaptive reuse.”
Trustees of the A I Chapman Estate and the E H Chapman Estate are on board.
They contributed money to install a memorial in Kibble Park to the Chapman family for their contributions to charities in the Gosford area.
The memorial is a clock that is visible from many areas of Kibble Park and is useful for residents, but the proposed revamp of the park does not make clear what will happen to the clock, other than its apparent removal.
Trustee David Booth said the trust was happy to support the retention of the library building.
Kariong Progress Association has also signed the Open Letter to Central Coast Council calling for the building to be saved.
“As a community, we know how important it is to have places where people can come together – to connect, learn, create and support each other,” President Lisa Bellamy said.
“Gosford is crying out for more of these kinds of community spaces, not fewer.
“Knocking down the library might look good on a glossy flyer, but it does nothing to meet the real needs of locals.
“We should be building on what we already have, not tearing it down.”
Allan Benson of the Ourimbah Region Residents Association (ORRA) said the association recognises the historical and architectural significance of Gosford Library and urges Council to retain the building for future community use.
Local resident and convenor of the Urban Sketchers Central Coast Group, Jen Charlton, said she was sure the 210 members in the group “appreciate that this architecturally significant building would make a great place for community art exhibitions or other cultural or educational or community use”.
Rhonda McCormack, Advocacy Convenor for Soroptimist International Brisbane Water, has also joined the campaign.
“Soroptimist International Brisbane Water would like to see the Gosford Library building in Kibble Park preserved,” she said.
“It is considered to be an architecturally significant building and invaluable for continued community use.
“Regional Youth Support Services have stated that it is a suitable venue for their organisation, with minimal expenditure needed for upgrade.
“It is a building in a central location, near public transport facilities and other services.”
The Wyong Family History Group knows first-hand the benefits of repurposing buildings instead of demolishing.
“We have a cottage in the Wyong Old School Community site, which is off Alison Road,” WFHG President Lynda Smith said.
“Our group makes use of a heritage listed bungalow built in 1922.
“We are very aware of the value of retaining and reusing such structures.
“We have been here since 2010 and greatly appreciate the forward thinking of past Wyong Council employees to include this building in the Old School Community Site.”
Also joining the campaign are Phillip Morley, president of The Wyong District Museum & Historical Society, and Zonta Club Central Coast.
Cooper said the Central Coast Community Better Planning Group is proud to be leading a campaign that represents such a diverse cross section of the community.
“The Central Coast sees the value of the Gosford library building,” she said.
“Let’s hope Central Coast Council listens to the views of its residents and ratepayers when it comes time to decide the fate of this landmark.”
The Central Coast was under administration for so long. I hope our representatives on Council do the right thing and save this iconic building for our community.