Old Sydney Town sale raised during Central Coast Council meeting

COUNCILLORS appear likely to “support” any plan to rebuild Old Sydney Town or a similar theme park at Somersby — but whether council would make a bid to buy the land is anybody’s guess.

Central Coast Councillors are likely to support any plans to build a theme park at the former Old Sydney Town site which is now up for sale.

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THE future of the iconic Old Sydney Town site has been raised at Central Coast Council.

Councillors appear likely to “support” any plan to rebuild Old Sydney Town or a similar theme park at Somersby — but whether council would make a bid to buy the land was not discussed.

The 120 hectare parcel of land which includes the former theme park site went on the market last week and is expected to sell for tens of millions.

Cr Chris Holstein has called for a report on any previous discussions with the owner of Old Sydney Town. Picture: Sue Graham

Deputy mayor Chris Holstein asked staff to prepare a report on any discussions that have been held with the owner or his agents in the lead up to the sale.

Speaking before the meeting, Cr Holstein said it was “a significant site, full of great opportunities” but said the council’s role was to support any new owner.

“You’d like to think that land could generate long term job opportunities — I would be keen to see something that could enhance tourism and create jobs and a combination of things that might make it a viable site,” Cr Holstein said.

Cr Bruce McLachlan says the Central Coast desperately needs a unique high quality tourist attraction.

Councillor Bruce McLachlan also raised the issue of Old Sydney Town at last night’s council meeting.

Councillor McLachlan put forward a motion which called for investigation of “tourism opportunities and initiatives currently available to the Central Coast region in line with global tourism trends.”

Also speaking before the meeting, Cr McLachlan said he thought most councillors would support a viable proposal for the site.

He said the Central Coast desperately needed a new tourism “opportunity” to stop declining tourist numbers.

“I’m talking about global trend tourism facilities — not just another cafe or another picnic table,” Cr McLachlan said.

“We’ve got all the tourism passing us and going to the Hunter — no one is stopping — we are not unique anymore,” he said.

“My view is any new tourism amenity we build is an amenity for the local community and the tourism is an added bonus

“Our youth unemployment rate is 17 per cent — disgustingly high — tourism is a youth employer.

“Research shows people want an experience that is social media friendly — a theme park would have to deliver that kind of experience — Old Sydney Town might well work.

“I think it’s an amazing site — if I had the money I’d write out a cheque and buy it myself.”