Students suggest residential towers on Deepwater Plaza
A proposal to build 10 apartment towers on top of Deepwater Plaza in Woy Woy has won first prize for a group of Woy Woy students in a competition to address the Central Coast's housing shortage.
The students from Woy Woy campus of Brisbane Water Secondary College were competing against students from Central Coast Grammar School, St Philip's Christian College Gosford, St Edward's College, East Gosford and St Joseph's Catholic College East Gosford in the North Challenge.
The Woy Woy team, calling themselves Crafted Foundations, proposed "Deepwater Towers - Bayside", taking advantage of State Government planning provisions under its Transport-Oriented Development Program.
The program allows multi-storey residential flats in commercial zones within 400 metres of railway stations.
In preparing their entry, the students pitched their idea to Deepwater Plaza centre manager Mr Paul Salvelberg, who helped the team refine their presentation.
The students said the apartments would be for retirees, young professionals and students.
They said retirees made up 28 per cent of the Peninsula's population and often lived in homes by themselves.
"Downsizing locally will free up more housing for families," they said.
The apartments would also be for young professionals and tertiary students, with "Woy Woy offering easy access to Gosford Hospital and Newcastle University".
"Partnerships with NSW Health and Newcastle University will help provide studio apartments for health professionals and students alike."
The students said they aimed to take advantage of nearby shops and public transport.
"It also means local jobs to support our community."
They produced a 3D-printed model, virtual CAD tours, a website, and marketing brochures.
The judges said they were impressed with the proposal's "strong focus on community and local partnerships".
The North Challenge is run by the Tuggerah-based North Construction and Building company for students "to use their entrepreneurial interests and business minds to develop business cases to address the growing population on the Central Coast and the increasing housing shortage crisis".
SOURCE:
Social media, 24 Oct 2024
BWSC Woy Woy