State aims to boost housing supply and update planning controls in key Central Coast suburbs
The New South Wales government has revealed plans to accelerate a significant rezoning process for Gosford, targeting increased housing density in the suburbs forming the city’s central area.
This initiative follows the release of the Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 and the Gosford Urban Design Framework. The government anticipates that the rezoning will pave the way for approximately 1,900 new dwellings.
Gosford, often described as the gateway to the Central Coast, has been identified as a focal point for regional expansion. The area benefits from direct rail access to Sydney and is situated on the Brisbane Water estuary, offering a range of lifestyle amenities.
The proposed changes are expected to focus on increasing building heights within the predominantly medium-density residential landscape. The rezoning will cover 283 hectares and will revise planning controls across both suburbs.
Current data from PropTrack indicates that the median unit price in Gosford is $557,250, while West Gosford’s median stands at $610,000.
The government has stated that public exhibition of the rezoning proposal is scheduled for 2026, with community consultation to follow. The plan will also include measures to enhance public spaces.
Authorities have emphasised ongoing engagement with local stakeholders to “ensure the city centre’s growth reflects the needs and aspirations of the Gosford community.”
David Harris, state minister for the Central Coast, said the Gosford rezoning would be “a big boost” for the city, allowing it “to further enable it to fulfil its enormous potential as a vibrant, connected city centre that attracts investment and creates opportunities for locals.”
The Property Council of Australia has also described the state government’s announcement as a key step in unlocking additional housing and employment opportunities for the Central Coast.
“This is a really positive step for the Central Coast – it clears the way for more homes, more activity, and more confidence for local investors and builders,” said Nuatali Nelmes (pictured right), Hunter and Central Coast regional director at the Property Council.
“Gosford is perfectly positioned to thrive as a true university town, with the University of Newcastle’s new campus and the potential to redevelop the former TAFE site anchoring new opportunities for education, housing and innovation.”
Nelmes also highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment to support the area’s growth. “To make this vision work, we need to see funding for enabling infrastructure – especially the Etna Street Bridge – which is critical to connecting new housing, the hospital with the city centre and rail station,” she said.
“The Central Coast is expected to experience significant population growth in the years ahead, with the region tasked to deliver more than 9,000 new homes by the end of the decade. That means we need sustained investment in serviced, accessible land and the infrastructure that makes new communities possible.
“Gosford’s revitalisation is about more than rezoning land. It’s about creating a connected, liveable city that attracts students, families and new businesses, while supporting the people who already call the Coast home.”
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