Central Coast Council has secured $183,231 to progress the region’s first Special Entertainment Precinct trial in Gosford.
The funding has been provided through the NSW Government’s Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Grant Program, which supports councils to set sound conditions and trading hours to support live music, performance and late-night businesses.
Council Acting Mayor John Mouland said establishing a Special Entertainment Precinct in Gosford is an important step forward for the region’s future. “This is a great win for Gosford and the whole region,” Acting Mayor Mouland said. “We are very grateful to the NSW Government for this support, which will help us take an important step forward in shaping a vibrant and welcoming city centre. When we invest in our city centre, it flows through to local businesses, jobs and opportunities across the Central Coast. This funding will help us do the groundwork and get it right. It will help support local venues, bring in new businesses and create a safer and more enjoyable night-time environment for our community.”
Community consultation earlier this year showed strong support for the proposal, with more than 800 people taking part and 89% of respondents indicating support. Following this, Council established a multi-sector Gosford Special Entertainment Precinct Working Group, which held its first meeting in March. The group will now help guide development of a precinct management plan, which will be placed on public exhibition later this year.
The funding will support detailed planning, further community consultation and acoustic studies to inform the plan, including tailored sound levels, trading hours and management arrangements to support and encourage live music and entertainment in Gosford. The funding also includes $20,000 to investigate Purple Flag accreditation for the precinct — an international program that recognises night-time districts that meet standards of excellence in diversity, accessibility and safety.
Community members can stay updated by searching ‘Special Entertainment Precinct’ at yourvoiceourcoast.com. Gosford Special Entertainment Precinct is proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Grant Program – Round 2.
Central Coast Council Media Release
