Massive community backlash over ATO building approval for prime Gosford waterfront land

THE community has reacted with dismay and disappointment after the Federal Government announced a prime waterfront site in Gosford would be used for an office block.

An artists impression of the ATO building earmarked for the old Gosford school site

THE community has reacted with dismay and disappointment after the Federal Government announced a prime waterfront site in Gosford would be used for an ATO office block.

A chorus of community leaders have described the decision to use the former Gosford Public School site for the Australian ­Taxation Office block as an opportunity gone begging and a waste of prime waterfront land.

It was hoped the valuable site would house a landmark development for public use – such as a regional performing arts centre – to kickstart revitalisation of the Gosford waterfront.

The long-awaited announcement was made on Friday by newly appointed Treasurer Scott Morrison and Robertson federal Liberal MP Lucy Wicks who described the plan as a “game- changer” for Gosford.

New treasurer Scott Morrison with Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks announcing the location of the new ATO office, on the old Gosford Primary School site. Picture: Waide Maguire

Many took to social media to express their disappointment that public servants would be the ones enjoying the prime piece of real estate and water views from the office block.

While the economic benefits of a project bringing 600 workers into Gosford was broadly accepted, many questioned why an office block, which could be built anywhere in the CBD, would take up a large chunk of the Gosford waterfront.

“It’s a crying shame,” Peter Brandon from the Friends of the Performing Arts Precinct wrote on the group’s Facebook page.

“Members of the Performing Arts Precinct management committee were stunned, horrified and downright disappointed and disillusioned.”

The new ATO building is planned to go on the old Gosford Primary School site.

His sentiments were ­echoed by others calling for the regional performing arts centre to be built on the site.

Multi Arts Confederation of the Central Coast spokeswoman Margaret Hardy said Gosford ­deserved better.

“We consider the site to belong to the community and a performing arts centre would be a stunning entry to Gosford,” Ms Hardy said.

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Many took to the Central Coast Express Advocate Facebook page to express their dismay, describing the concept as an “opportunity lost”, a “waste” and “potential gone begging”.

Gosford Public School P & C president Stephen Thomas and former Gosford Public School principal Alan Wort were angry the school was moved off the site for an office block.

“How appalling that after more than three years and enormous amounts of money spent on planning and relocating the school, the best we can now get is a tax office,” Mr Wort said.

“Where are the grand plans that we were shown when planning was under way?”

Mr Thomas reacted in ­disbelief.

“The school has been kicked out so the ATO can move in,” Mr Thomas said. “It’s certainly not visionary. It’s an opportunity lost.”

Mrs Wicks defended the plan and said while she respected the views expressed, the aim was to deliver jobs.

“What’s really important is to get Gosford thriving again,” Mrs Wicks said.

The Central Coast Regional Development Corporation was confident anchoring the site with a government department would draw investors to the remainder of the property.