$400m Gosford development: Construction to begin early 2020
First images of the $400 million two tower development which will “transform” Gosford have been released with construction expected to begin early next year.
Central Coast
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A world class rooftop bar, apartments, hotel, restaurants and shops will feature in a $400 million development hailed as Gosford’s “most significant transformation”, with construction set to begin in the coming months.
First images of The Archibald Development — formerly known as Mariners Plaza — have been released, showing the stunning two tower development which will include 300 apartments, a premium hotel with 167 suites and a rooftop bar on the corner of Mann and Donnison streets.
The towers will be 25 and 26 storeys and also include retail shops, bars and restaurants designed to create a vibrant downtown hub.
The development was initially approved in May 2015 by the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel, with architects from Dickson Rothschild in Sydney working on designs for the past four years.
Back then it was the vision of developer Peter Zhu, however the owners of The Archibald have kept their identity confidential, referring to themselves as a “consortium of high network individuals”.
Mr Zhu no longer owns the site and the identity of the new owners is shrouded in mystery.
The project’s architect Nigel Dickson said none of the current developments in the CBD would have the “sheer magnitude” or impact on the city’s future like The Archibald.
“There is a world class rooftop sky bar and restaurant — can you imagine the views?” he said.
“We have a collection of beautiful spaces and offerings for the public including a world standard spa and wellness oasis, a vibrant ground floor pub, two pools and a sophisticated co-working floor that will make life easier for the travelling/working sector.”
Carl van Sell, from construction management firm Reform Projects, said construction would take around 30 months.
“It’s a very impressive site being so close to the train station but also to the main road out of town and yet minutes to the harbour,” he said.
He said key announcements would be made over the coming weeks revealing the appointed construction company, hotel brand and “other significant revelations”.
“I believe the rooftop sky bar and restaurant will be of world class standard and operated by award-winning hospitality entities,” he said.
“And as for the wellness retreat, it will be among the best in the country with a wholistic collective offering everything from a salt cave, float tanks to cosmetic and 21st century health treatments, not just your traditional spa experience as we know it.”
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He said many subcontractors and consultants on the project would be local, including marketing and selling agent McGrath Projects Central Coast.
McGrath Principal Jaimie Woodcock has been sworn to secrecy around the project … until now.
“Gosford will never be the same,” he said.
“This is the start for the next generation, it’s what we we’ve all been waiting for and it’s what the people of Gosford and those who want to live in this beautiful harbour city deserve — I’m so excited.”
Mr Woodcock has witnessed first-hand the increasing demand in apartment living close to the CBD over the past 12 months. He said The Archibald, named after the second Earl of Gosford, will set the benchmark and lead the way into the future.
“This is the beginning, this is it, it’s Gosford’s time and I can’t wait for people to see what I have seen. The offerings, the quality, the views and the amenities — it’s world class,” he said.