Urban strategy consultants appointed

Consultancy firm Newbold-Leyshon-Elton has been appointed to carry out the Peninsula Integrated Urban Area Strategy.

The strategy is expected to be completed by August this year.

Mr Micheal Leavey, Manager of Integrated Planning for Gosford Council, said the consultancy firm chosen had experts in traffic and planning.

He said they are in the initial stages of the putting together the strategy, currently carrying out research.

The successful applicant is required to hold consultation with relevant stakeholders including business, community groups and welfare organisations.

Mr Leavey said that rather than public meetings, community consultation will occur in the process with the firm meeting with community, environment, business and resident groups.

The plan is expected to give Gosford Council and the Department of Infrastructure and Natural Resources a guide to developing policy for the future planning of the Peninsula.

Mr Leavey said the strategy would aid Council in future plans and broader planning.

"That's when the broader community consultation will occur."

The strategy was identified after the Shaping the Central Coast regional plan earmarked the Peninsula as a "compact city".

The strategy is expected to address issues of infrastructure, urban character and building design, environmental sustainability, economic incentive, societal change, affordability and choice in housing, as well as transport and access.

The brief highlights the "transformation of the Peninsula from a relatively small holiday and retirement destination to an urban locality accommodating over 30,000 people".

Alison Branley, April 30