Henry Parry Drive big hole development: Construction to begin on notorious eyesore

It’s the news coasties will be eager to hear – the notorious hole passed by thousands of commuters on Henry Parry Drive is being transformed.

Gosford's notorious hole is finally set for construction.

It’s been Gosford’s notorious hole in the ground for decades.

However with a crane set to come in before Christmas and a construction timeline, there’s finally hope for 86 John Whiteway Dr.

New signage for construction company Pacific Project Group has wrapped the perimeter and Domain is advertising the “luxury apartment” development changed from Waterview Apartments to Sapphire Residences.

Agent David Roy, from Domain Property Group, confirmed that construction would start in April 2021, with all the old footings from previous works at the site being pulled out.

He said the development had a timeline of 12-18 months with an approximate completion date of April 2022.

Luxury Apartments for the development Sapphire are being sold.

A previous artists impression of the Waterview development.

The $60m development will include 97 luxury apartments which are being sold off the plan. Sapphire will also feature a gym, pool and private common courtyard.

One bedroom apartments are priced from $350,000, two bedroom from $425,000 and three bedroom from $650,000.

“Sapphire offers among the highest levels of finish available on the property market today, regardless of location,” the advertising website states.

“Couple this with superb water views, close proximity to the CBD of the Central Coast, Gosford City, as well as design excellence, on-site facilities such as pool and gymnasium and you have the complete package.”

The site is being cleared and footings pulled in preparation for construction.

The eyesore, passed by thousands of commuters every day, has been Gosford’s longest-running hole in the ground for more than 20 years, plagued by failed developments.

The most recent was in May 2018, when previous owners Gosford Property Developments indicated plans for the highly anticipated Waterview Apartments would not go ahead last due to financial issues.

People who had bought off the plan were offered refunds, while others opted to stay on and see what the new owners presented. Many owners who decided to see out the project have secured apartments at Sapphire.

Development approval for the Waterview Apartments was approved by the former Gosford City Council in 2016, sparking excitement in the community that the 7067sq m site would finally be transformed. Finally, in 2021, it will happen.