The June 25 Council-under-administration agenda informs us that Council is handing over control of the Gosford Waterfront Revitalisation to the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC).
HCCDC will now lead the waterfront project with responsibility to the NSW Government for project delivery.
It also takes on key project risks.
Council will have less influence over the direction of the project.
Council’s report says this risk of less influence is mitigated by a proposed collaborative project delivery model to be underpinned by a formal MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between HCCDC and Council.
The Administrator is expected to name the CEO as Council’s representative on a proposed Gosford waterfront revitalisation executive steering committee at tomorrow night’s meeting.
He is expected to give the CEO authority to enter into the MoU.
Council also wants reimbursement from the NSW Government of $1M Council spent to progress this project.
During the NSW 2023 election campaign the now Government committed $8.5 million, as requested by Council, to fund the next stage of the initiative, which is to develop a feasibility analysis and business case to support further investment.
“This commitment was subsequently confirmed in the September 2023 NSW Budget,” Council said.
“On 20 February 2024, Council received advice from HCCDC that it had been tasked by the NSW Government with responsibility for delivering the 2023 election commitment.”
On the potential of the waterfront, the report says that “Council and the NSW Government have identified the potential of Gosford to be a world class waterfront city that is resilient, connected, vibrant and where local identity is showcased.”.
“Over the last 20 years, many proposals have been put forward to embrace the Gosford waterfront’s potential,” the report states.
In 2021, under administration, Council officers undertook preliminary due diligence on a range of proposals received over the last decade.
Council staff have been meeting with HCCDC over the last few months to provide background information and hand over project-related documentation.
According to it’s website, HCCDC is a respected leader in delivering region-shaping outcomes on behalf of NSW Government.
“Our focus is on creating vibrant places with great spaces; providing more opportunities for housing and employment; and attracting investment, innovation and talent to the Hunter and Central Coast,” the website states.
HCCDC was responsible for creating the new regional park at Gosford.
