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Central Coast Council has issued a statement calling the allegation that it altered a Government Architect of NSW Urban Framework Plan for Kibble Park “incorrect and untrue”.
By Jacquelene Pearson
The Point has received copies of documents distributed to multiple local news outlets that appear to indicate the Government Architect’s place plan for Kibble Park had been “altered” by Central Coast Council.
In response to our questions, a Central Coast Council statement said the council had developed a draft and then final Kibble Park Place Plan which was adopted by Council at its September 2023 Council meeting.
“The document referenced the GANSW design principles in its Urban Framework Plan, however the principles outlined and adopted in Council’s own document were Council’s final agreed principles following Council’s community consultation and design work,” the statement said.
“Specifically, to address the current allegations, the referenced point 3 in Council’s final document where the word ‘restaurant’ is referred to, is in relation to the restaurant in Park House.
“Council apologises for any confusion, but equally would suggest that interested parties should read Council’s Kibble Park Place Plan in the correct context – that this is a Council document.
“The document is available on Council’s website in Council meeting September 2023 papers.
“In relation to the general comments being made about the decision to demolish the Gosford Library, we make the below comments.
“When the building was constructed it was compliant with construction codes. Over time, these codes and standards have been updated and as a result several parts of the building are now not compliant with current requirements, including disability access.
“If the building is given use for another purpose these non-compliances must be fixed at significant cost.
“The building also contains asbestos construction materials and work to refit it would most likely trigger the removal of this extremely hazardous material which is also a significant cost.
“The public toilets in the building have also reached their end of life and options to renew these are very limited and costly.”
What the architect said
The Point has subsequently reviewed the NSW Government Architect’s 2018 Gosford Urban Design Framework and found multiple, clear statements about the existing Gosford Library being a significant building that would be worth keeping.
“Gosford’s existing built environment forms a strong base for the city to grow. Gosford is layered with unique urban assets including heritage buildings, rail infrastructure and a high street with a strong north-south axis through the centre of the city. Key building assets include the first Gosford Courthouse (1833) and the first post office (1835) to the south of Mann Street and St Mary’s Church (1858) to the east of Gosford and more recently the Gosford Library building in Kibble Park,” the Urban Design Framework states on page 20.
“The future potential of Gosford needs to build upon its existing built form assets and urban structure. It needs to utilise Mann Street as the historic heart and connector, to enable renewal as a vibrant main street, with a new diversity of built form, fine urban grain and multi-programmed space,” the NSW Government Architect document said.
On page 27 the Government Architect again points to the importance of retaining historic buildings: “Encourage the adaptive reuse or continued use of significant buildings eg existing library, Conservatorium of Music, fine grain shop fronts on Mann Street. Key opportunities are identified in the place chapters of the UDF.”
The Government Architect’s Civic Heart design principles on page 40 state: “Re-purpose library as a public building – possible Town Hall, meeting place, flexible exhibition space. Investigate upgrade or new cafe integrated with park. Create a civic plaza and connect to Mann Street with active edges.”
The existing library is also described as a “great civic place” – “Mann Street Plaza and the re-purposed library become flexible event spaces for day and night activation.”
Again, on page 43, the GA’s intent was clearly to retain the library: “Re-purpose library as a public building. Investigate upgrade or new cafe integrated with park.” As a next step, the framework suggests: “consultation with the public on the future public uses of the old library”.
What the council did
It is hard to believe that six years have passed since the Government Architect gave the Gosford community hope that a revitalised city centre could be a reality after decades of decay and neglect.
On page 9 of Central Coast Council’s Kibble Park Place Plan, the document considered at the September 2023 council meeting, it is clear that the artist’s render of the park is the same as that used by the Government Architect. The existing library is shown in both renders.
On the same page, Central Coast Council appears to state that its plan will adhere to the Government Architect’s intent for the park: “The Kibble Park Design principles developed by GANSW have laid foundations and inspired this Place Plan. This Place Plan will take the direction from the GANSW, especially principles 1 to 4, which relate specifically to the boundaries of the Park, and will create tangible outcomes on the ground by setting out clear actions and practical concept designs.”
And this is where things get a little perplexing. Principle 3 in the council plan says: “Re-purpose restaurant building [our emphasis] as a public building – possible cultural centre, meeting place, flexible exhibition space.”
The phrasing is very similar to that used by the Government Architect on page 40 of their 2018 document: “Re-purpose library [our emphasis] as a public building – possible Town Hall, meeting place, flexible exhibition space. Investigate upgrade or new cafe integrated with park.’
Where to from here?
The NSW Government Architect clearly believed the existing Gosford Library was a significant building suitable for retention and repurposing. It called for community consultation to discuss its future use.
Central Coast Council under Administration has called for tenders to demolish the existing library along with the former Broadwater Hotel in Mann Street. There is no Development Application or Part 5 application for the demolition.
The State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) adopted in 2018 as part of the initiative to revitalise Gosford appears to give council the power to demolish any public building in the CBD without development approval or community consultation. What’s next on the chopping block?
It appears the council intends to replace the existing library with a “multi-functional and adaptable space for big and small activations”. The Parkhouse building, currently tenanted by the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, is intended to be a community space – “a flexible Community Space nestled in the park surrounds that will draw locals and visitors into the park for a range of events”.
A petition calling for the retention and repurposing of the existing library building has already garnered over 1000 signatures.
The main argument for demolition appears to be that the building would be too costly to retain. However, council has not made any budgets, business plans or cost comparisons available for public scrutiny.
