Planning and Housing Minister Anthony Roberts was in town last month to release the design for a nature-inspired space with water play and sensory experiences for all ages.
Hailing the concept as a “watershed moment” in the revitalisation of Gosford, Mr Roberts said a regional play space had the potential to attract both locals and tourists, and to “capitalise on the strong employment and residential growth in the area.”
Following extensive community consultation, architect Turf Design has come up with a proposal which incorporates dozens of new trees, open green space for people to continue to play footy or other casual sports, walkways, picnic areas, toilet amenities and lighting.
There will also be a tidal water feature.
“These plans are next level – we are going beyond structured playgrounds with soft fall and slippery slides – we’re looking at a living, breathing bushland ecosystem that complements the park’s proximity to the waterfront,” Mr Roberts said.
“There’s a strong focus on ‘wild play’ areas, where kids can splash around, get their hands dirty and explore a natural bushland setting.
“The centrepiece of the park will be a community hub, modelled on a Bungul (dancing) ground, designed in close collaboration with the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council.”
Mr Roberts said consultation was ongoing with Central Coast Council and stakeholders in the preparation of the detailed design.
“We’re also continuing to work with the Darkinjung to ensure that the space is embedded with Indigenous culture, sharing their stories and connection with the region,” he said.
The release of the proposal follows community consultations earlier this year, when residents provided input into how they wanted to see the 2.4ha of public space used.
“We are confident this offering will truly attract a regional audience and will create the momentum for revitalisation in Gosford,” Mr Roberts said.
“Revitalisation of Gosford City Centre as the regional capital of a healthy, prosperous and connected Central Coast, is a key Ministerial priority of the (government’s) Regional Plan.”
Amended designs will soon be released following a second round of community consultation which finished on March 15, with works at the park expected to begin later this year.
Central Coast Leagues welcomes vision
CENTRAL Coast Leagues Club has welcomed a bold new masterplan that will guide the Club’s evolution into a modern, connected hub of community for the Coast.
A bold vision for what has long been a Central Coast institution, features of the plan include a vibrant alfresco dining precinct, improved pedestrian connections to Gosford city and the waterfront, hotel accommodation, along with new, state-of-the-art facilities for members and guests to enjoy.
Club Chairman, Peter James OAM, says that while still conceptual, the masterplan puts Central Coast Leagues on a positive path towards diversification and enhancement of the experiences it offers to Club patrons.
“Central Coast Leagues has been a centre point to life on the Coast for more than 60 years. We’re a familiar, much loved gathering place. Built by locals, for locals,” he said.
”Rich history inevitably comes with some challenges. And in our case the challenge is a building that no longer reflects the range or quality of experiences we need to offer our patrons.”
The release of the masterplan coincides with broader plans for Gosford’s transformation, with the NSW State Government already investing in revitalisation planning for the city centre and enhancements to Ray Maher Field, local infrastructure development and employment growth.
With the Club occupying a strategically important site that offers a point of connection between the city centre, station, stadium, parklands and waterfront, Mr James says Central Coast Leagues Club has the potential to be the welcoming gateway to a revitalised Gosford.
