Business leaders expressed surprise at the announcement, with the Gosford waterfront originally favored to be the focus of State Govt planning.
However the Kibble Park option will slot in perfectly with the new Performing Arts Centre and Regional Library being developed nearby (see separate stories).
Once a busy carpark, Kibble Park for generations has been an oasis in the heart of town.
Gosford City Centre will become a significant regional hub which will greatly improve the city’s commercial, retail and cultural life, according to recommendations announced by
Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts.
“The first recommendations for the complete revitalisation of the centre of what is the capital city of the Central Coast, is focused on its beating heart – Kibble Park and surrounds,” Mr. Roberts said.
“The bold and exciting plan for Gosford is articulated in the first of a series of Government Architect recommendations for the revitalisation of the city’s centre, released for public exhibition in Gosford,” he said.
Mr Roberts also announced the appointment of Michael Cassel as CEO of the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation (CCRDC) which has been repurposed to support delivery of Gosford City Centre’s renewal.
“As the civic heart of Gosford City Centre, it is entirely appropriate that our first focus is on Kibble Park,” Mr Roberts said.
While welcoming the news, businesspeople in downtown Gosford said the plan needed to be backed up by strong security presence, constant police patrols and a severe crackdown on anti-social behavior.
It has been suggested in the past that Kibble Park be closed at night to ensure it is not used as a base for homeless people and illegal activities which has become a major concern amongst business owners.
According to business people, downtown Gosford has also become well known for illegal activities including drug deals, teenage gangs and violence.
Mr Roberts understandably made no mention of these festering problems in his announcement.
Two further reports will be released in coming weeks to focus on complementing the corridor between Gosford Hospital to the train station in the north and the Waterfront precinct in the south.
Mr Roberts also released a background paper describing the considerable work undertaken on the Urban Design and Implementation Framework (UDIF) and providing historical context regarding the planning initiatives that have shaped Gosford City Centre.
The Department of Planning and Environment has undertaken intensive community engagement with about 600 residents, 83 per cent of whom said that the revitalisation of Gosford City Centre was “important” or “very important”.
Ninety per cent said that the revamp of Gosford, as the region’s capital, was vital to the broader development of the Central Coast.
