Central Coast Council together with the University of Newcastle have announced an exciting collaboration in the soon-to-be completed Gosford Regional Library.Located on the top floor of the new Library, the ‘MakerSpace’ will provide an inclusive space for students, community members and local businesses to learn, create and innovate using low and high-tech equipment, with the aim to foster social connection, develop technical skills, encourage experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the MakerSpace will be run by both Council and the University – ensuring it offers a service and opportunity for students and the broader community alike.“The new Gosford Regional Library is a modern and iconic building in the heart of the Gosford central business district, which will add to the growing capabilities and offerings of the city and the region as a whole,” Ms Smith said.“It is much more than a traditional library, and this collaboration with the University of Newcastle is indicative of what it can offer to other organisations and community groups, who want to utilise this extraordinary facility.”Under this agreement, the University of Newcastle will provide modern equipment as well as the expertise of its staff to work alongside Council staff to deliver creative opportunities for the community and university students.

Central Coast Council together with the University of Newcastle have announced an exciting collaboration in the soon-to-be completed Gosford Regional Library.Located on the top floor of the new Library, the ‘MakerSpace’ will provide an inclusive space for students, community members and local businesses to learn, create and innovate using low and high-tech equipment, with the aim to foster social connection, develop technical skills, encourage experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.The MakerSpace will be run by both Council and the University – ensuring it offers a service and opportunity for students and the broader community alike.The new Gosford Regional Library is a modern and iconic building in the heart of the Gosford central business district, which will add to the growing capabilities and offerings of the city and the region as a whole.Under the agreement, the University of Newcastle will provide modern equipment as well as the expertise of its staff to work alongside Council staff to deliver creative opportunities for the community and university students.

I’m excited that Council is partnering with the University of Newcastle to develop a new ‘maker space’ at the Gosford Regional Library.A maker space is a supportive community hub designed to inspire exploration, creativity, ideas sharing and self-directed learning. University experts will collaborate with Council to create a state-of-the-art space within the library, equipped with 3D printing machines, virtual reality goggles, sewing and Cricut machines, that will encourage skills development, critical thinking and experimentation.

Central Coast Council is calling for community and industry feedback to ensure the right land use and planning is in place to support future jobs and economic growth on the Central Coast.