West Gosford: Consultation starts for $115m ‘Conexions’ hotel, residential development

The public will get its first look at plans for a $115 million hotel, entertainment and residential development, across the road from Gosford racecourse, with community consultation to begin.

West Gosford will be home to a new $115 million entertainment and residential quarter with a best-in-class hotel, bespoke apartments and architecturally designed public spaces if plans for the state significant development are approved.

The “Conexions” development is a partnership between Luux Properties and hotel construction company Reward Group, which purchased the one hectare site for $4.8 million in 2019.

Conexions will feature a prestige hotel with more than 150 rooms and conference facilities, a variety of restaurants, small bars and cafes, along with green spaces and family recreation areas.

The conference room will boast elevated views over the community park and Gosford racecourse.

Artist's impression of the new $115 million "Conexions" development at West Gosford that will feature a mix of hotel accommodation, conference centre, restaurants and bars and residential units. Picture: supplied

It will also encompass a luxurious day spa, a resort-style recreational area with a “swim-up pool bar” and water activity area for children.

Proponents of the multifaceted development said it would provide much-needed short-term accommodation options for Gosford’s nearby hospitals, and a mix of one, two and three bedroom units for permanent residents to help meet the demand for local housing.

It is estimated the development would create more than 500 construction jobs and 130 ongoing jobs, boosting the coast’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Luux Properties director Leon Kmita said with more than 150 rooms, the project will transform Gosford racecourse into one of NSW’s most popular entertainment destinations.

“Gosford has great potential as the vibrant capital of the Central Coast and we’re delighted to be delivering to the local community the kind of entertainment precinct and facilities modern

families and visitors have come to expect,” Mr Kmita said.

Artist's impression of the new $115 million "Conexions" development at West Gosford. Picture: supplied

For those looking for a sea-change move out of Sydney, the apartment buildings will include purpose built co-working spaces, offering the perks of a corporate office while working from home — as well as green space, outdoor recreational areas, barbecues, and a gymnasium.

Reward Group director Christopher Donohue said Conexions would be the new cornerstone of the West Gosford community.

“We have worked hard to ensure this development will deliver value, opportunity and

positive experiences for the people of the Central Coast, and we are excited to be building facilities which until now have been only available in major metropolitan centres,” Mr Donohue said.

The "Conexions" development purchased the site, which includes the old Singo’s Meats butchery in 2019 for $4.8m. Picture: Google

Working in consultation with the City of Gosford Design Advisory Panel for more than two years, the precinct has been carefully designed so that it adds value to the local area and protects important vistas to and from Presidents Hill.

Gosford Race Club CEO Daniel Lacey said that the new development would be a fabulous addition to the racecourse district, making it the perfect destination for a day out, a staycation or a mini-break.

“Locals and visitors will be able to enjoy race days, markets, world-class concerts, and private functions and events, all with top-end accommodation and fantastic restaurants and bars at their doorstep,” he said.

Artist's impression of the new $115 million "Conexions" development, which would feature four mid-sized building ranging from seven to 18 storeys. Picture: supplied

Now the proposal has reached this stage, Luux Properties and Reward Group are inviting the community to drop-in sessions to learn more about the project, meet the team and share feedback.

The first drop-in session will be at The Entertainment Grounds’ Riverdale room tonight, Tuesday June 15, from 6pm to 8pm and again this Saturday, June 19, from 11am to 1pm.

Plans for the Conexions development include more than 500 parking spaces, opening up Donnison St West for easy access to Gosford’s CBD, pedestrian access throughout the precinct with links to the racecourse.

The hotel and residential units will be spread across four mid-sized buildings, ranging from seven to 18 storeys and feature a mix of restaurants, small bars, cafes, and retail shops interspersed with landscaped gardens and a community park.