Central Coast Council is moving forward with detailed designs for the Gosford Cultural Precinct (the Precinct) – creating an integrated cultural hub which will connect Gosford Regional Library & Innovation Hub (the Regional Library) and the Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre (RPACC).

The design includes final sites for both priority projects, which were selected following extensive research and analysis, as well as pedestrian linkages and undercover parking.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said this is an excellent result for the community, as both the Regional Library and the RPACC are priority projects for Council to deliver.

“There has long been an overwhelming need for us to provide multi-use facilities where our community can meet, relax, connect and learn,” Ms Vaughan said.

“This decision will help us to meet the contemporary and future educational, conferencing, arts and cultural needs of the region, which have been constrained due to our current building sizes and limited capabilities.

“Due to the need to accommodate different uses and functions, the Regional Library and the RPACC will be in separate buildings – however, their proximity has generated an opportunity to create the Precinct, connecting the two facilities and helping Gosford CBD flourish.

“The next stage for this catalyst project will be to progress the development application.”

Mayor Jane Smith said the Precinct will help achieve the Community Strategic Plan’s goal to create a growing and competitive region by establishing Gosford CBD as a key destination that attracts businesses, local residents, visitors and tourists.

“Council will be creating an outstanding precinct that the Central Coast can be proud of, and will appeal to all ages, abilities and backgrounds,” Mayor Smith said.

“The development of both the Regional Library and the RPACC is essential as Council works towards establishing a true capital for the Central Coast.

“Delivering these projects as one integrated cultural precinct will benefit both projects individually, as well as facilitating the revitalisation of Gosford CBD and creating the vibrant and sustainable region the community want and deserve.

“Furthermore, it is expected that the Precinct will have a positive economic impact on the region, with more than 1,450 jobs projected as a result of construction, plus an additional 645 jobs predicted once construction is complete.

“Along with CEO Gary Murphy, I will now be seeking discussions with both State and Federal Government to assist with the funding shortfall of these much needed community projects.”

In order to create this world-class cultural precinct there will need to be an acquisition of properties by Council.

As such, the current estimated cost of the Precinct is to remain confidential in order to maintain commercial confidence and ensure the integrity of the market value.

Ms Vaughan also took the opportunity to emphasise the development of the Gosford Regional Library is not dependent on the closure of any existing branches.

“I want to reiterate that the development of Gosford Regional Library is not contingent on branches in the Peninsula, or elsewhere, being closed,” Ms Vaughan added.