policy
Central Coast Council Endorses Gosford CBD Redevelopment Infrastructure Works
The July council decision sets out staged infrastructure upgrades in Gosford that link directly to housing supply targets and construction employment on the Central Coast.
How we reported this
Central Coast Council voted on 9 July to proceed with detailed design for road, drainage and public space upgrades in the Gosford CBD as part of the post-administration recovery plan. The works form one element of the NSW Government’s housing supply reform package and are intended to support new residential and commercial floor space near the planned fast-rail corridor.
Why the timing matters for Central Coast residents
The council returned to full operations in late 2025 after the state-appointed administrator completed its term. At the same meeting councillors received an update on the draft Local Housing Strategy, which must deliver an additional 24,000 dwellings by 2041 under the Central Coast Regional Plan. The infrastructure decision is the first concrete step that ties those dwelling targets to on-ground works in the Gosford core.
Residents living in Gosford, Wyoming and Narara will see the first construction packages advertised later this year. These include replacement of the Mann Street stormwater trunk main and widening of the Mann Street-Donnison Street intersection. Local advocates note that completed drainage works would reduce flood risk for properties between the railway line and the waterfront.
Jobs and services implications
Policy analysts say the design phase alone is projected to support 85 full-time equivalent positions in engineering and project management firms based between Tuggerah and Gosford. Once tenders are let, civil construction crews are expected to draw heavily from the Central Coast labour force, reducing daily commuting to Sydney sites. The legislation states that 10 per cent of the project value must be allocated to local apprenticeships or traineeships.
The 2025-26 NSW Budget papers record a $47 million contribution from the Housing Acceleration Fund for Central Coast infrastructure. Council documents tabled on 9 July show this amount will cover the first two stages of the Gosford works, with the remaining stages to be funded through developer contributions tied to the new housing supply targets.
Next steps require the council to exhibit the detailed design for 28 days in August, followed by a further report to the September ordinary meeting. Residents can register for updates through the council’s project portal or attend the planned community drop-in session at Gosford Library on 19 August.