The demolition would make way for its $345.4M five tower residential and retail development, currently under assessment with the State Planning Department.
Central Coast Council is investigating parking options, with a report expected to be handed down to councillors early next year.
Two carparks in Racecourse Rd and at Adcock Par, providing a combined 360 spaces, have been planned as a short-term solution, to be connected to the CBD by a Park and
Ride (shuttle bus) service which is currently at the tendering stage.
Council is also working on a Central Coast Parking Strategy which includes medium to long-term strategies to deliver additional parking stations within walking distance of the CBD.
But Gosford Erina Business Chamber says more urgent action is required and is pushing for a new parking facility to be established near the corner of Erina and Albany St North, Gosford.
Chamber president Rod Dever said any loss of parking in the heart of the CBD would put additional stress on commuters and local businesspeople needing long-term parking.
“With 600 spaces in the Kibbleplex building, the Chamber has for almost two years been engaging with Council for solutions to the (eventual) loss of this facility,” he said.
“We understand there is an extended lease on the facility; however, we imagine now that the DA is progressing that this lease would not be renewed.
“Parking in Gosford and surrounds is always a point for discussion and one where members of the Chamber have requested appropriate actions to alleviate issues with access to business and access to parking for local businesses.
“One of our core issues is presently the number of commuters who leave the Coast daily for employment who then need to take up all day parking to facilitate their travel by public transport.
“Gosford is a major transport hub; longer term parking is limited.
Filling up early
“In 2018 the Chamber undertook a survey of parking and noted that local parking is filling up early.
“In 2019 the introduction of parking sensors in the city seems to stop people overstaying in time limited parking but is not addressing the need for all day parking for city workers and commuters.”
Mr Dever said the proposed parking facility would be less than 60 metres from the Kibbleplex site.
“Council already owns some land in this area but may have to acquire other land holdings,” he said.
“The public and business(people) already park in this area so it has proven that this would be used but there also needs to be consideration to more than 600 spaces as the current parking is full most days now.
“We need to think for the future and have better facilities to support the city and our increasing population.
“To create 1000 spaces would allow for some growth and additional parking which is then not in an intrusive location and detracting to the city.”
Mr Dever said transport services into the city also needed to be investigated.
“We need the Erina to Somersby corridor to have better point to point bus services to support park and ride options,” he said.
