Landmark announcement paves way for revitalised future Gosford
02 November 2018
NSW Government:
Gosford’s revitalisation took another major
step forward today with the release of the final Government Architect
report and suite of new planning controls to enable the city to fulfil
its destiny as the vibrant and thriving capital of the
Central Coast.
Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts, said following more
than a year of consultation, the
NSW Government had listened to the Central Coast community’s
comments and ideas and incorporated them in a final series of measures
that will pave the way for the Gosford of the future.
“People had different views on how it should be achieved but the message
was loud and clear on one thing: revitalisation of Gosford needs to
happen and it needs to happen now,” Mr Roberts said.
“Today we are putting in place the framework to drive further
investment, attract new residents, business, tourists, cultural activity
and jobs to Gosford.
“We have addressed many of the issues raised by community stakeholders
and we want these same stakeholders to be involved in the delivery of
the revitalisation plans.”
Acting NSW Government Architect Olivia Hyde said the final
Gosford City Centre Urban Design
Framework (UDF) maps out a design–led, place-based
revitalisation process that focuses on public domain renewal.
“The place–based approach recommends focus on the delivery of attractive
public places and the activation of these spaces as well as connectivity
between the three core areas of Gosford City Centre,” she said.
“City North focuses on connecting the greatly expanded
Gosford Hospital
to the city across the rail corridor, to spread the benefits of the
$400m investment into the development of the health and education
precinct.
“City South makes stronger links between the city and the waterfront
parklands to draw together locals, land, culture, history and recreation
in a beautiful parkland destination and Civic Heart – Kibble Park and
surrounds, links the City North to the City South.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast, Scot
MacDonald, said the Government also released the final Gosford City
Centre State Environmental
Planning Policy (SEPP), Development Control
Plan (DCP) and Special Infrastructure Contribution (SIC).
“These controls will implement the
Government Architect’s Urban Design Framework and ensure
design–led, streamlined, flexible and efficient development for Gosford
City Centre,” Mr MacDonald said.
“In crafting the final controls, particular attention was paid to the
desire to protect sunlight access to public open spaces, including
Leagues Club Field and Kibble Park, and views to the stunning
Brisbane Water and the bushland of Rumbalara Reserve and Presidents
Hill.
“The SEPP and DCP will provide greater protection against overshadowing
because they introduce measureable performance standards that replace
the purely subjective provisions in the current controls, that are open
to interpretation.”
The SIC will collect contributions for infrastructure that supports
growth as the revitalisation program continues to roll out, reducing the
overall contributions from 4 per cent to 3 per cent of the cost of
development, with 1 per cent to go to a new local contributions plan.
“The SIC incentivises development in Gosford and reflects the
Government’s $52 million commitment to upgrade vital
water and
sewer
infrastructure and public domain in the city centre,” Mr Roberts said.
The SEPP will remain a stand-alone state policy until
Central Coast
Council completes its comprehensive Local Environmental Plan (LEP).
The Government also unveiled the
Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation
(HCCDC), a merged entity under the leadership of CEO Michael Cassel who
has been instrumental in leading change and transforming Newcastle into
a vibrant, dynamic and thriving hub of the Hunter Region.
“As Gosford City Centre’s revitalisation transitions from planning to
implementation, Mr Cassel today takes the baton from Coordinator General
for the Central Coast Lee Shearer who has done a brilliant job bringing
all stakeholders around the table to pave the way for the future
Gosford,” Mr Roberts said.
“When it comes to urban renewal and seizing opportunities to drive
economic growth in cities, there is no one better than Mr Cassel.”
Ms Shearer will now focus on the continued delivery of the many other
priority projects of the Central Coast
Regional Plan 2036 (Regional Plan) – the Government’s
blueprint to deliver environmentally sustainable jobs, housing and
connected communities on the Central Coast.
Revitalisation of Gosford City Centre as the regional capital of a
healthy, prosperous and connected Central Coast, is a key Ministerial
priority of the Regional Plan.
For more information visit the Central Coast region page, https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-your-area/Regional-Plans/Central-Coast
--ENDS--
Source: NSW Government - www.planning.nsw.gov.au
Contact: N/A
External Links:
Gosford City Centre Urban Design Framework
Government Architect’s Urban Design Framework
Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation
Central Coast Regional Plan 2036
Recent news by: NSW Government