Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to provide feedback on the draft concept plans for the long awaited Gosford Regional Library, now on exhibition until Sunday 11 March.

Two concept plans for the state-of-the-art facility designed for the Donnison Street site at Gosford are now available to view to gauge public preference.

Council’s Director Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said this was an important project for the Central Coast community, helping to meet a range of long-term community needs.

“This is a vital development for the Central Coast that will deliver employment opportunities and economic stimulus and will be a focal point for library services across the region,” Ms Vaughan said.

“We have come up with two options both of which will provide an Innovation Hub for small and start-up businesses and creative endeavours as well as help support commuters and entrepreneurs by encouraging enterprise development and embracing innovation.

"What we want to know from the community is whether they would prefer to see a three storey building plus mezzanine or ten storey building that has the capacity to house additional commercial space for lease.

“We are committed to the revitalisation of the Gosford CBD and growing it as the region’s capital and this project is one part of how we are accomplishing that.”

Mayor Jane Smith said the community has significant investment and interest in progressing this project and it was important to get the balance right and deliver an innovative and sustainable learning space for the community.

“This is a catalyst project for the revitalisation for the Gosford CBD and one that Council can and must get right for the community,” Mayor Jane Smith said.

“Libraries are at the heart of creating liveable, connected and sustainable cities and that is definitely what we want to see for the Gosford CBD.

“The Regional Library will deliver an engaging space and enhanced library experience for the Central Coast community where people can learn, create and connect.

“It will become a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike and is proposed to be a true innovation centre and drawcard to the CBD.

“This project has been in the pipeline for a long time and we want to assure our community it is happening.

"Each of the two options requires a different level of investment from Council and so it is important that the community provides input.”

“At this point in time we are seeking input on the preferred option for a way forward for this catalyst project for the CBD and will be holding information sessions for the community to see the plans for themselves and ask any questions they have.”

Information sessions will be held at the Smart Work Hub located in the Imperial Centre Gosford on Thursday 1 March at 1pm and Tuesday 6 March at 6.30pm.

Federal Member for Robertson, Mrs Lucy Wicks said this is a great opportunity for the community to have their say on the Regional Library project, and it is good to see Central Coast Council kicking off consultation this month.

“The Coalition is determined to deliver on our commitment to this initiative, which for many years has been a community-led vision that will help deliver jobs, connectivity and opportunity for our city,” Mrs Wicks said.

"This project is shaping up as being another important part of Gosford’s rejuvenation.”

Details about the concepts plans, frequently asked questions, information sessions and how to make a submission can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.com

The project will be financed through $8.1 million raised by the former Gosford City Council Special Rate Variation with an additional $7 million Federal funding through the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s Community Grants Program.