As Central Coast Council unveils yet another ‘blueprint’ for the Gosford Waterfront, the community should stop and ask a serious question: what kind of city do we want Gosford to become?
Do we want a waterfront defined by liveability, character, sunlight, open views and a genuine connection to Brisbane Water? Or are we prepared to let it become a place dominated by oversized towers, overshadowed public spaces and planning rules bent to suit private profit?
The Stage 2 proposal for the Central Coast Quarter on the former Gosford Public School site includes a 36-storey southern tower and a 42-storey eastern tower and a major increase in density. This is not sensible growth.
The site’s master plan was approved by the Independent Planning Commission in 2020 only after reductions were imposed to lessen visual impact and protect public amenity.
The current proposal heads in the opposite direction. Instead of respecting the planning logic behind the approved master plan, it seeks to overwhelm it.
The Community Environment Network and the Central Coast Community Better Planning Group have objected because this proposal is excessive, inconsistent with Gosford’s retained planning controls, and threatens to create an overbearing built edge that weakens the city’s visual and physical connection to Brisbane Water.
Gosford does need growth, and redevelopment of urban land is preferable to destroying bushland. But growth must still respect place, scale and public interest.
Ninety-eight affordable dwellings for 15 years do not justify a 42-storey planning shock that could permanently damage Gosford’s skyline, public spaces, liveability and character.
If the community stays silent now, the waterfront we value may be lost for good.
We achieve more when we work together — Join or renew your CEN membership today.
Gary Chestnut
CEN Chair
Community Environment Network
