Central Coast call for infrastructure

The head of Central Coast Tourism has identified infrastructure limitations as the biggest hurdle preventing the region from attracting larger events.

In an exclusive interview with The Nibbler, Central Coast Tourism chief executive Chris King highlighted insufficient infrastructure as an ongoing struggle for the region’s conferencing industry.

While a number of small-scale facilities are available, the Central Coast has a limited number of medium-scale facilities. There is currently no infrastructure in place for large meetings or events.

King said funding limitations were at the heart of the problem, adding that the Central Coast was losing valuable business opportunities as a result.

“Infrastructure is a big concern for us, and funding is always at the forefront of our minds,” he said. “We’re always on the lookout for infrastructure funding so we can cater for larger events.”

King welcomed plans for a new facility at Gosford which would provide a performing arts and conference centre catering for 1,200 delegates, but added it would be years until the development is complete.

“The Landing development will be a great boost for the Central Coast. It will generate more income for the economy and be pivotal to the survival of the CBD… Gosford really needs it and it can’t come soon enough,” he said.

Designed to “re-connect” the city with the waterfront, the multi-staged development will include commercial office space, accommodation facilities and a city park.

The development has just entered the second development stage with a completion date yet to be confirmed.