Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts has welcomed the surge in investor confidence in Gosford since the implementation of the NSW Government’s revitalisation program for the capital of the Central Coast.
“I am pleased to report that since the release of measures to revitalise Gosford City Centre, including the new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) in October 2018, there has been much interest in the city,” Mr Roberts said.
“Since October the Department of Planning and Environment has received dozens of enquiries from land owners and their consultants with very real interest in a broad range of developments, including commercial, residential, mixed-use and hospital developments. A number of these are State Significant Development proposals with estimated values over $75 million.
“This week we saw a $350 million private hospital development in Gosford City Centre being announced and last week a $280 million mixed-use development.
“Both still need to undergo a rigorous planning assessment process but they are proof there is a much greater belief that Gosford is a city on the rise and a smart place for people to invest and capitalise on the considerable momentum.”
Adam Crouch Member for Terrigal said that the proposed new private hospital by AA Crown Holdings and North Side Group would employ 2,200 people over a three-year construction phase and the hospital would generate 460 permanent jobs ongoing, boosting the Central Coast economy by $54 million annually.
This follows a recent major State Significant Development proposal on the Kibbleplex site.
“The proposal is for the $280 million mixed-use development will include commercial, retail, entertainment and residential uses. This proposal has the potential to bring up to 600 construction jobs and 300 operational jobs to the region’s capital. Prior to lodgement of the application, the proposal will be reviewed by the City of Gosford Design Advisory Panel, to ensure it exhibits design excellence,” Mr Crouch said.
“This fantastic early response from interested parties demonstrates that the Government’s revitalisation program has created the right type of environment at the right time to ensure Gosford realises its enormous potential.”
Mr Roberts explained that the NSW Government implemented the Gosford City SEPP to put in place the framework to drive further investment in important infrastructure, as well as attract new residents, business, tourists, cultural activity and jobs to Gosford.
“All proposals in the Gosford City Centre valued at $10 million or more will be rigorously assessed by the Department under the new framework with Design Excellence being of paramount importance.
“And I’m delighted to announce the six expert appointees to the City of Gosford Design Advisory Panel Design Reference Group who will provide advice to the Panel to ensure new developments achieve design excellence.
The appointees are:
- John Choi, Director, Chrofi,
- Simon Kilbane, University of Technology, Sydney,
- Gabrielle Morrish, Managing Director and Principal, GMU,
- Garth Paterson, Director, Paterson Design Studio Pty Ltd
- Peter Smith, Director, Smith & Tzannes
- Paul Walter, Director, Atlas Urban Strategy
From left to right: City of Gosford Design Advisory Panel Design Reference Group appointee Paul Walker, MLC Taylor Martin, Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts, Liberal candidate for Gosford Sue Dengate, Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch.
“These appointees are top practitioners in the fields of architecture, urban design and landscape design and are the ideal people to be assessing the broad array of potential developments coming through the pipe.
“I said when I launched the new Gosford City Centre planning measures that it was Gosford’s time to shine. I am delighted in the increased interest in Gosford City Centre. Gosford has fabulous potential and momentum is building towards achieving that potential.”
