Next Stage of $350m Gosford Scheme Moves Ahead

More than $235 million had been committed to projects that collectively would deliver more than 600 homes and hotel keys to NSW’s Central Coast.

Of the three projects to move forward this week, the largest is the next stage of Urban Property Group’s three-tower development at Gosford, 50km north of Sydney’s CBD.

The developer acquired the site at 26-30 Mann Street in May of 2024. It increased density by about 30 per cent on the original approvals. It also committed 15 per cent of the gross floor area to affordable housing for 15 years.

The scheme is part of the $350-million Central Coast Quarter.

For the second stage, the Sydney-based developer plans 280 apartments and a 150-key hotel across two towers atop a central pavilion with retail and hospitality venues.

▲ Rendering of the second stage of The Waterfront project.

A 25-storey tower would comprise 130 apartments and ground-floor retail, while a 30-storey highrise would include the hotel, 100 apartments and ground-floor retail.

An amending concept application is at the preparation stage, while early works approval progressed to the response to submissions phase in December. 

Stage 1, a $115-million, 25-storey tower comprising 134 apartments, is under way.

PBSA moves forward

At nearby 305 Mann Street, the University of Newcastle has won state significant development status for its $80 million, 13-storey student accommodation plans.

The project would provide 190 beds across studio units and shared apartments, plus ground-level recreation facilities and a rooftop terrace.

According to development documents, the university building would complement the neighbouring Central Coast Campus that is expected to be finished by September.

The project is now awaiting SEARs for Environmental Impact Statement preparation.

▲ The University of Newcastle’s new Central Coast Campus building.

Meanwhile, plans for 138 apartments, including affordable housing, commercial space and three basement levels at 43 Beane Street, also in Gosford, have been revealed.

The development applicant is 43 Beane Street Pty Ltd. ASIC lists Meiling Xie as the director of 43 Beane Street Pty Ltd.

According to planning documents, the Beane Street project is at Environmental Impact Statement preparation stage, and ACSES Engineers have been appointed as structural consultants.

▲ Rendering of an earlier proposed affordable housing scheme for 43 Beane Street.

The development would require shoring solutions and extensive retaining structures for the basement levels.

An earlier 18-level proposal for the same address won consent in 2015 but went undeveloped. 

All three projects are close to Gosford Railway Station and capitalise on the area’s B4 Mixed Use zoning under State Environmental Planning Policy.