Woy Woy waterfront cost blows out

Central Coast Council staff have told a council committee that the cost of redeveloping the Woy Woy waterfront is now estimated to be more than four times what was it was two years ago.

The $1.2 million cost two years ago has risen to a "preliminary cost estimate" of $5 million.

Staff gave a "high-level breakdown" in a report to the council's community and culture committee last Tuesday, July 8.

Redevelopment of the Anderson and Pelican Parks would cost $530,000.

The swimming pool enclosure redevelopment would cost $1.35 million.

Redevelopment of Memorial Park would cost $630,000.

The wetlands precinct would cost $880,000.

Lions Park redevelopment would cost $820,000.

"Preliminaries and contractor margin" are estimated at $900,000.

The original redevelopment costs of $1.2 million were to be paid from rates revenue.

The report states: "Council has secured $1 million grant from the NSW Government via the Community Assets Program, to upgrade the Woy Woy swimming enclosure with the works to be completed by June 2026."

It also states that the council's capital works program for the current financial year has allocated $589,879 for the Woy Woy Foreshore project.

The council's budget documents no longer list the source of capital works funding, but the absence of mention of a grant suggests this comes from rates-general revenue.

The report recommends that the detailed design phase of the project "develops a Foreshore Implementation Plan to identify timeframes and funding sources-opportunities, to develop the entire foreshore including budget allocation over the coming years".

The committee was told that the revised estimates resulted from the engagement of landscape architect consultant Moir Studio last year "to undertake design services for Woy Woy Foreshore".

The purpose was to finalise a concept design for the foreshore and to undertake a detailed design "to inform future development of the broader Woy Woy foreshore corridor".

It included a review of the 2022 draft Woy Woy Masterplan.

The Concept Design Report prepared by Moir Studio is for the Woy Woy foreshore only.

It contains a number of variations from the 2022 plan.

Two options have been prepared for Anderson Park.

"Option 1 proposes a passive green space with seating improvements to utilise the existing shade within the park.

"Option 2, a sculptural deck, is proposed as an iconic feature as an alternate option for consultation."

The design report proposes the closure of the eastern boat ramp, although it would still "be available to light watercraft that don't require towing by a vehicle", such as kayaks and dragon boats.

This would " improve public safety and avoid conflict between users of the park and use of the boat ramps".

The western boat ramp would be upgraded with a second pontoon.

Council staff commented: "The closure of the eastern boat ramp at Lions Park, may draw public concern during exhibition.

"In addition to upgrades of the western boat ramp at Lions Park, Council has upgraded the Koolewong boat ramp and car park, which is an east facing access point within a 3.5km catchment."

The design report also contained an alternate design for Anzac Memorial Park, with an "Avenue of Honour" and relocation of the cenotaph.

However, after taking heritage advice, "the current layout of the Memorial Park has been retained", with the need identified to prepare a Heritage Conservation Management Plan.

"Preparation of this plan is not included in the scope of this project and will require additional separate funding."

No changes were proposed to the Wetlands other than a raised boardwalk away from the roadside "to minimise desire lines through the wetland vegetation".

No major changes were proposed were proposed for Pelican Park, with access and amenity improvements included in the concept design.

The design report provided further detail for Woy Woy Baths including 3D renders and the location of a proposed new public amenities building.

Council staff also reported that "the project scope will now include the preparation of an Aboriginal Cultural Interpretation report, to be reference in the detailed design of the entire foreshore".

They recommended that the committee "recommends to Council that Council endorses the draft Woy Woy Foreshore Concept Design Report for the purpose of public exhibition for a 28-day period".

SOURCE:

Website, 8 Jun 2025

Community and culture committee agenda 1.8, Central Coast Council

'Significant population growth not projected,' says Wright

Despite adopting a 10-year plan for an 11,000 extra dwellings on the Peninsula, Central Coast Council is "not projecting significant population growth in the area", according to chair of the council's governance and finance committee Cr Jared Wright.

His comments were made when calling on the community to make more use of the Peninsula Leisure Centre.

He said the council planned to spend $2.5 million in the Peninsula Leisure Centre over the next three years.

"Investing in these assets is important, but it is also important that they are being utilised to their full potential," Cr Wright said.

"User rates at the Peninsula Leisure Centre are continuing to increase, but Council is not projecting a significant population growth in the direct catchment area, so it is important that locals already in the area are taking full advantage of what is on offer."

Cr Wright said improvements would include renewing the main changing room amenities, replacing and upgrading the play space, and fitness and gym equipment, as well as improvements to the pools, spa, sauna and stream room.

"The Peninsula Leisure Centre is loved by the local community and is used for everything from school swimming carnivals, through to sporting competitions and general recreation for things like gym work and yoga.

He said the Council's draft Leisure and Aquatic Strategy noted that there were opportunities for facility improvements including expanding the health and fitness centre to accommodate current and future demand, as well as enhancing energy efficiency at the precinct.

"As the facilities become more commercially self-sufficient, that is a win for the community as it means that Council doesn't have to funnel costs from other parts of the organisation to fund them.

"We must continue to look at how we can attract more people to the precinct, by offering services they want that are affordable and easy to access."

SOURCE:

Media release, 9 Jul 2025

Jared Wright, Central Coast Council