The Gosford waterfront revitalisation concept plan has entered its second month of consultation with several thousand people so far contributing their thoughts and opinions on the design through Central Coast Council’s engagement program.

Community consultation opened on 18 October and already the message from the community is clear: the time is right to connect the Gosford CBD to an activated waterfront.

Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart is encouraged by the support to date from Government, the community and other stakeholders to progress this significant regional project, noting NSW Labor has committed $8.5 million to support feasibility studies of the waterfront concept plan. 

“There is a growing appetite to see Gosford reach its potential by connecting the waterfront to the city, activating the city’s education and health opportunities and amenities, and creating a place for people on the Central Coast.”

Mr Hart urged people to take part in the engagement process saying he was delighted to see the wide range of people who had already contributed including a school group.

“Whether you already live, or would like to live, on the Central Coast, or are a regular visitor, we’re keen to hear from you.  Already there have been a range of questions asked, and we welcome an opportunity to answer these questions.

“This major revitalisation project will boost jobs and economic growth across the Central Coast and the community’s feedback is vital to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone is achieved from this long-term project,” Mr Hart said.

Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer said the business case in the adopted waterfront concept plan, demonstrates a strong return on investment for a government partner to work with the private sector to bring this vision to reality.

“The NSW Government has nominated Gosford as the region’s principal city, to integrate precinct planning for the waterfront, arts and entertainment, city core, railway, education and hospital precincts, upgrades to the stadium and the NSW Government’s fast rail proposal,” Mr Farmer said.

“Gosford waterfront is the integrating factor connecting these opportunities to become one coherent, vibrant, beautiful place.

“It connects the CBD to the water to unlock new economic and cultural potential by optimising investments in health and education, supporting improved education opportunities, providing local jobs, opportunities for local businesses, significant cultural events, and more.

“Council has worked hard in recent years to develop this framework and we look forward to building on this groundswell of support,” Mr Farmer said.

The community can help shape the future of the Gosford waterfront by:

•           Viewing the concept plan

•           Reading the frequently asked questions

•           Registering for a virtual drop-in information session

•           Contributing to and joining the conversation on the interactive concept plan and sharing ideas, suggestions and opinions

•           Providing feedback via the online feedback form

“In adopting the concept plan, Council has laid the foundations for the revitalisation, having drawn on previous work including the Gosford Challenge and collaborated with the Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council, Greater Cities Commission, Crown Lands, TAFE, The University of Newcastle and other important stakeholders.”

In September NSW Labor committed to providing the funding to complete the necessary preliminary feasibility studies for the revitalisation.  Mr Hart said given the significance of this project to the region, he believes it warrants bipartisan support.

“Now it’s time for a government partner to commit to deliver the project and create the outcome for our region envisioned by the Greater Cities Commission in its Six Cities Vision.

“We will continue our extensive stakeholder engagement program until December 1.  Our next task is to take all the feedback into consideration and see how we might refine the concept in response to this feedback.” 

Community consultation on the project is open until 1 December 2022. To have your say visit: www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/gosfordwaterfront.

The feedback received by Council from the community and stakeholders on the concept plan will inform the development of a detailed masterplan in the future.