Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts was in Gosford today to unveil e plans for a $10 million transformation of Leagues Club Field into a nature-inspired space with water play and sensory experiences for all ages.
Releasing the design for community comment, Mr Roberts hailed the concept as yet another watershed moment in the revitalisation of Gosford as the Central Coast capital.
"Today's announcement further demonstrates this Government's long-term commitment to Gosford, and our desire to keep the community engaged as part of delivering high quality outcomes that will help make this city a great destination for years to come," Mr Roberts said.
"As outlined in the Government Architect of NSW's Gosford Urban Design Framework that I released in October 2018, a regional play space has the potential to attract both locals and tourists, and to capitalise on the strong employment and residential growth in the area."
Mr Roberts said the concept plan displayed a ground-breaking style of immersive nature play for the community to enjoy.
"These plans are next level – we are going beyond structured playgrounds with soft fall and slippery slides – we're looking at a living, breathing bushland ecosystem that complements the park's proximity to the waterfront.
"There's a strong focus on 'wild play' areas, where kids can splash around, get their hands dirty and explore a natural bushland setting.
"The centrepiece of the park will be a community hub, modelled on a Bungul (dancing) ground, designed in close collaboration with the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (Darkinjung)," Minister Roberts said.
Consultation is ongoing with Central Coast Council and stakeholders in the preparation of the detailed design. This follows initial engagement with the community earlier this year, which sought to understand how people wanted to see the 2.4ha of public space used.
"The detailed design will include things that the community told us they wanted to see, including dozens of new trees, open green space for people to continue to play footy or other casual sports, walkways, picnic areas, toilet amenities and lighting.
"By releasing designs to the community today, we are inviting further feedback to help us deliver something truly special.
"We're also continuing to work with the Darkinjung to ensure that the space is embedded with Indigenous culture, sharing their stories and connection with the region.
"We are confident this offering will truly attract a regional audience and will create the momentum for revitalisation in Gosford."
Revitalisation of Gosford City Centre as the regional capital of a healthy, prosperous and connected Central Coast, is a key Ministerial priority of the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036.
The community can have its say on the Leagues Club Field designs by visiting the HCCDC website or the Central Coast Regional Plan Info Centre on the corner of Mann and Donnison Streets, Gosford, until 15 March 2019. Development on the park is expected to begin from late-2019.
Images: Artist impressions of Leagues Club Field and a video flythrough showing the proposed development can be found at hccdc.nsw,gov.au
