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Henry Parry Drive development: Construction to begin

It’s become famous as the longest-running hole in Gosford, passed by thousands of drivers daily for 20 years, and now construction is set to begin on a 97-unit housing development.

Construction is set to begin at Gosford’s notorious longest running hole.
Construction is set to begin at Gosford’s notorious longest running hole.

The development of Gosford’s most notorious and longest running hole in the ground is just weeks away.

Pinnacle Construction Group has confirmed construction is set to begin on a $60 million 97-apartment development at 86 John Whiteway Drive.

The well known eyesore, passed by thousands of commuters every day on Henry Parry Drive, has been a hole in the ground for 20 years and plagued by failed developments.

Previous artists impression of the development
Previous artists impression of the development

The most recent was in May 2018, when previous owners Gosford Property Developments indicated plans for the highly anticipated development, known as 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.

Pinnacle Construction Group purchased the site in June 2018 and have been carrying out cleaning and clearing works and making small modifications to the plans.

The group’s funding principal Joe Bechara told the Express finance has been approved and construction is three to four weeks away.

Aerial view of 86 John Whiteway Drive, aka Gosford's biggest and longest-running hole in the ground
Aerial view of 86 John Whiteway Drive, aka Gosford's biggest and longest-running hole in the ground

Mr Bechara said the development would be similar to previous plans, however the building was being reduced from 11 storeys to 10 to allow more floor to ceiling space and to comply with fire regulations.

“We have also reduced from 100 apartments to 97,” he said.

“We haven’t changed the externals and the envelope is the same. We are working with the existing construction certificate.”

He said the group would completely clean the site before construction, including removing existing pipe works and footings laid by previous failed developments which are around 15 years old.

“We’re going to pull it up and start fresh,” he said.

The site before Pinnacle Construction Group took over and started clearing. Picture: Mark Scott
The site before Pinnacle Construction Group took over and started clearing. Picture: Mark Scott

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.

The site has had seven owners in the past 26 years, with previous owners Brentwood Village Pty Ltd, Evelyn Mavis Martin-Jones, J.W Singleton and S.M Stenner, J.A Ryan and M. G Birtwistle.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/henry-parry-drive-development-construction-to-begin/news-story/1e1c3ce2b67aef8ffddd976db5eec74d