Community group calls for Umina Mall clean-up

The Umina Community Group has called for the Umina Mall site in Ocean Beach Rd to "be kept in a presentable state, up to, during, and at the conclusion of the redevelopment".

Group secretary Mr Peter Springett said the group supported the responsible development of Umina and believed that the redevelopment of Umina Mall should be a priority.

He said the group was "very concerned about the appalling state of the current derelict site, especially as this is the so-called gateway to Umina Beach".

Umina Mall was destroyed by fire a year ago, with the shell still standing apparently awaiting the outcome of negotiations over a redevelopment application.

In the meantime, graffiti has been painted on the walls, weeds have been left to grow and rubbish has been dumped around the site.

A sign has been put up on the temporary fencing around the site saying "Fix this mess".

Mr Springett said the group was also finding it difficult to find out any information about the Umina Mall redevelopment.

"We're not getting anywhere.

"We're not getting any information," he said.

"I believe there are discussions going on between Central Coast Council and the owners, Laundy Exhibition.

"They are supposed to be negotiating.

"Whether that's happening or not, I don't know," Mr Springett said.

A response from Mr Arthur Laundy of Laundy Exhibition simply said: "Still waiting, no new news."

Last October, former Federal Liberal MP Mr Craig Laundy said he was hoping work could start almost immediately.

He said at that time he had been told that Central Coast Council would again begin negotiations to sell two lanes behind the current site.

He said plans to rebuild had been "shovel ready" since 2015.

At its October 8 meeting, the Council decided to seek an updated valuation of the market value of the land and offer to sell the land to the owner of the adjoining blocks in line with Council policies and procedures.

It seems the council may also waiting, to be notified by the applicant of his planned action.

Previous negotiations for the sale of the lanes stalled, firstly with a disagreement over the price, and then again when the former Gosford and Wyong councils were merged into Central Coast Council.

SOURCE

Central Coast Council agenda 8.1, 8 Oct 2019

Media statement, 15 Jan 2020,

Arthur Laundy, Laundy Exhibition

Media statement, 16 Jan 2020

Interview (Sue Murray), 29 Jan 2020

Peter Springett, Umina Community Group