The council owned Donnison St site was selected following extensive consultation with the community on two options for the Library. The building will be designed to accommodate possible additional levels of commercial development if further funding is secured.
The stand-alone library will be “future proofed” to ensure it has the potential for more development.
A council spokesman said this helped to ensure that the important learning and innovation space could meet the needs of the community “both once it is built and 30 years into the future”.
“We are committed to creating an engaging innovation space and enhanced library experience for the Central Coast community where people can learn, create and connect.”
Mayor Jane Smith said following the recent announcement by the Minister of Planning regarding centering development and activation of the CBD around Kibble Park, it was important for Council to lead the way in creating an arts and cultural precinct in the City.
“The Regional Library is a catalyst project for the CBD and will become a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike creating a true innovation centre and drawcard to the city centre,” Mayor Smith said.
“Libraries are at the heart of creating liveable, connected and sustainable cities and that is definitely what we want to see for the Gosford CBD.
“It is imperative we deliver an innovative and sustainable learning space for the community, so we will be continuing to engage with our residents to see what they want derived from this space.
“Council expenditure should align with revenue and I believe this proposal will reduce the risk for our ratepayers and gives us the option to partner with other organisations and levels of government to secure more funding.”
Council will continue to work with the Federal Government and the Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks to confirm the $7m funding for theproject promised from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s Community Grants Program.
Council committed to continue discussions with ET Australia to provide accommodation for ET Australia and its tenants within an integrated precinct incorporating both the Regional Library and the Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre.
