The existing Gosford Library will be demolished in March 2025, says a report to this week’s council meeting.
By March 2025, the new regional multi-purpose three-storey library will have been built and opened across the road on the old Parkside building.
Work to demolish the Parkside building which was home to ET Secondary College for many years will start this month.
ET Australia has opened a junior campus in the Imperial Centre, a quick walk across Kibble Park from Parkside, and a senior campus next door to Parkside.
Council entered into a $28.3M contract in August with North Construction & Building Pty Ltd to build the new regional library.
North is starting work on site.
“Relevant construction documentation approvals are being completed and site facilities established,” Council said.
“Internal demolition within the existing building is commencing.
“A works zone has been implemented on Donnison St, with hoarding being installed to enclose the existing north façade for asbestos dust removal works.
“Activities for the next quarter focus on the demolition of the existing building, in anticipation of foundation works for the construction of the library starting next calendar year,” Council said.
Project expenditure to date is $3,056,684 as at 31 August 2023 against a total budget of $32.7M.
Meanwhile the administrator Rik Hart is being asked to adopt the Kibble Park Place and Concept Plan at the September 26 meeting.
The report explains the public feedback when the plan was on exhibition earlier this year.
Direct commentary on the proposed removal of the existing Gosford Library was split evenly between those in favour (29 per cent) and those opposed (29 per cent, with most responses neutral (42 per cent).
“The demolition of the existing library will increase the green space within the Gosford CBD significantly, which will be highly sort (sic) after to accommodate residents of high density housing currently under construction,” Council said.
The current library will be replaced with a green space – a large, dedicated turf events space with appropriate services and facilities to host a range of events.
“It will include a dedicated stage space with shelter, storage, and services with appropriate vehicular access.
“A flexible amphitheatre will be created, with a water cascade to provide visual appeal, wide seating will provide a raised view of the park and space to view concerts and events, and space will be provided for pop up events and stalls along the northern edge,” Council says.
See the full vision for Kibble Park here: starts on P53.
