Gosford Regional Library: three or ten storey concept plans released

A three-storey building with mezzanine or a ten story building with commercial space for rent? Those are your choices for the long awaited Gosford Regional Library.

Residents have been asked to vote on which concept plan they prefer.

A three-storey building with mezzanine or a ten story building with commercial space for rent?

Those are the two choices Central Coast residents are being asked to consider now that Concept plans for the long awaited Goford Regional Library have been released.

The plans have just gone on public exhibition and residents have until Sunday march 11 to say which they prefer.

Gosford Regional Library concept plan one is for a three storey building.

The project will be financed through $8.1 million raised by a special rate raised by the former Gosford City Council and an additional $7 million Federal funding.

Concept one is a three storey building with mezzanine and two levels of basement parking, to be built at 123A Donnison Street.

Among the strengths of this plan is that it could be built on land council already owns and the possibility of generating extra income from an innovation hub and renting out of meeting spaces.

Gosford Regional Library concept plan two is for a ten storey building.

On the down side for this version is the need to find new homes for community service currently located at the site and the likelihood council will need to find additional money to pay for it in future budgets.

Concept two is a ten storey building with three storeys of parking that includes commercial and retail space, to be built at 123A and 123B-125B Donnison Street Gosford.

According to council’s assessment this plan could create employment opportunities by attracting new business to the CBD and provide high grade commercial spaces in the CBD which it durrently lacks.

Negatives include that some of the land is not owned by council and again, the likelihood of needing to find extra money to pay for it in future budgets.

The site of the proposed new Gosford Regional Library in Donnison Street. Image: Google maps.

Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said this was an important project for the Central Coast community, helping to meet a range of long-term community needs.

“This is a vital development for the Central Coast that will deliver employment opportunities and economic stimulus and will be a focal point for library services across the region,” Ms Vaughan said.

“What we want to know from the community is whether they would prefer to see a three storey building plus mezzanine or ten storey building that has the capacity to house additional commercial space for lease.

Mayor Jane Smith said the community had significant investment and interest in progressing this project and it was important to get the balance right and deliver an innovative and sustainable learning space for the community.

Central coast mayor has urged residents to have their say on the proposals for Gosford Regional Library.. (AAP IMAGE / Troy Snook)

“This is a catalyst project for the revitalisation for Gosford CBD and one that Council can and must get right for the community,” Mayor Jane Smith said.

“This project has been in the pipeline for a long time and we want to assure our community it is happening.

“Each of the two options requires a different level of investment from Council and so it is important that the community provides input.”

Details about the concepts plans, frequently asked questions, information sessions and how to make a submission can be found at Your voiced — our coast on Central Coast council’s website