22 AUGUST 2019
YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
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PH: 4325 7369
ISSUE 214
Leagues Club field is to become “a world-class public space”
W
ork is expected to begin on the redevelopment of Gosford’s Leagues Club Field before the end of the year. State Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes, was on the Coast on August 15 to release the final designs for waterfront field, set to transform it into “a worldclass public space”. A draft plan for the project was released prior to the 2019 State election, with the final plans having been drawn up
Artist’s images of the latest plans for Leagues Club Field
following public consultation and with input from the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. Stokes said the nature inspired design, which features new picnic areas and amenities, walkways, an inclusive playground and water play areas, would set a new standard for public spaces across the state. “The final designs showcase best practice in creating exemplary play spaces that invite everyone in the community to stay and play,” he said.
The park will also feature dozens of new trees, thousands of native plants and an innovative ‘tidal terrace’ which will draw water from the bay at high tide and drain at low tide to create an ecosystem that changes from hour to hour. Stokes said close attention would be given to a proposal by the St Hilliers group to redevelop the adjoining former Gosford Public School site to ensure it integrated with the new-look field. Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the revamp
highlighted the importance of quality open space as a part of Gosford’s revitalisation. “The revitalisation is going from strength to strength with cranes in the sky and new residential and commercial building work underway, as well as high quality public spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Crouch said. Darkinjung Chairperson, Matthew West, said he was proud to have contributed to what will be a special place for the Central Coast community. “These stunning designs feature a living, breathing
bushland ecosystem that complements the park’s proximity to the waterfront,” he said. “The park will incorporate wild play and water features interspersed between newlyplanted trees, thousands of native plants, picnic areas, amenities and walkways. “Sandstone representations of indigenous sea creatures will be exposed at low tide while ‘canoes’ will be available to play on when the water rises. “It is fantastic that the unstructured play zones
will share local Darkinjung and non-indigenous history of the site by encouraging exploration, interaction with nature and learning.” Project leader, the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC), will call for tenders within days. Source: Media release, Aug 15 Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes Media release, Aug 15 Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council Interview, Aug 15 Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes Reporter: Terry Collins
Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net Mobile Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au