Henry Parry Drive big hole development: Crane arrives on site as development continues

It’s the news many locals have been waiting on for years – and has signalled that the notorious eyesore along Henry Parry Drive is finally being developed.

There’s exciting news for the future development of Gosford’s biggest hole in the ground. Picture: Troy Snook

A crane has arrived at the notorious Gosford eyesore that commuters drive past along Henry Parry Drive.

It’s a good sign for the future of the embattled site, at 86 John Whiteway Dr, which has become known as Gosford’s biggest hole in the ground for the past two decades.

There have been so many failed developments along the way, however the latest luxury development appears to be going full steam ahead with construction company Pacific Project Group.

A crane has arrived at Gosford's notorious hole in the ground along Henry Parry Drive. Picture: Fiona Killman

The site previously looked like this for more than two decades. Picture: Mark Scott

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

The development was previously known as Waterview Apartments and agents Domain Property Group are selling apartments off the plan.

There has been plenty of activity at the site for the past few months, with old footings from previous failed attempts removed and new ones laid.

Agent David Roy, from Domain Property Group, previously told the Express that the development had a timeline of 12-18 months with an approximate completion date of April 2022.

The past few months has seen old footings removed and the site prepared for development. Picture: Troy Snook

New footings are now in place. Picture: Troy Snook

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.”

Image of the Sapphire development for 86 John Whiteway Dr, Gosford

The development is for luxury apartments overlooking the water.

The most recent failed development for the site was in May 2018, when previous owners Gosford Property Developments indicated plans for the highly anticipated Waterview Apartments would not go ahead 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 and will be confident with the arrival of the crane.