Central Coast Council is celebrating the announcement today by Education Minister Simon Birmingham and Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks MP, pledging $32.5 million for a world-class medical school and research institute at Gosford Hospital.

Modelled on facilities at leading American and English universities, the $72.5 million Central Coast Medical School and Research Institute will become a landmark project for the Central Coast, after the University of Newcastle and the NSW Government previously each pledged $20 million for the facility.

Central Coast Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said a state-of-the-art facility such as this will be a major catalyst for the further revitalisation of the Gosford CBD and deliver enormous benefits for the entire region.

“This is a real win-win for our community – it will create more local jobs and deliver better health services across the Coast,” Mr. Reynolds said.
“The creation of 750 jobs and $200 million economic boost will be key drivers for our region moving forward, strengthening the rejuvenation of the Gosford CBD with flow-on effects across the whole community.

“Housing an internationally-recognised medical and research facility right on our doorstep will really put us on the map.”

Mr Reynolds says the formation of a Central Coast Council heralds a strong, representative voice for the entire region and he is looking forward to further funding announcements that will foster the growth and development of a strong, robust and resilient community.

“Both former Councils, particularly the former Gosford Council, championed the provision of this revolutionary medical and research facility for its capacity to create more local jobs and deliver improved health services to our growing community,” Mr. Reynolds said.

“This is a prime example of all tiers of government and our educational leaders working together to bring a project to fruition that will generate multiple community benefits.

“With the formation of the Central Coast Council we can provide a clear and cohesive voice for the Central Coast community that will assist in driving positive change for our region and continue to reap real rewards.”

The 9000 square metre state-of-the-art facility will be located in a new health and wellbeing precinct opposite Gosford Hospital and is hoped to be operating by June 2018.

This project coincides with the NSW State Government’s $368 million redevelopment of Gosford Hospital, which is designed to deliver improved health services to the community.