This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
DEVELOPER St Hilliers has chosen DKO and Furtado Sullivan’s concept as the winner of its design competition for the final stage of Gosford’s Central Coast Quarter project.
The concept for final stage of the integrated mixed-use precinct was decided on by an independent panel of judges, who nominated the design practices’ vision of two towers alongside a central public pavilion.
“The sophisticated design by DKO and Furtado Sullivan is perfect for the eastern and southern portions of the Central Coast Quarter project,” said Justyn Ng, development director at St Hilliers.
DKO and Furtado Sullivan designed a collection of buildings that will activate the area with retail and hospitality offerings, while responding to the area’s context and culture.
“This is the first time a design competition has run under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Gosford City Centre) 2018 and the outcome will set a new standard for design excellence in the CBD,” added Ng.
“There was a huge focus on integration among the submissions, with the winning design going to great lengths to incorporate the recently transformed League Club Field and food and beverage outlets seamlessly.”
DKO was also appointed to design the successful first stage of the development, which has now sold 95% of available apartments, with the completed value of the tower to exceed $115 million.
“We look forward to delivering an equally sophisticated design for the final release, which we are confident will attract significant interest from people who recognise Central Coast Quarter for its location and quality,” said Ng.
The winning concept has been designed to deliver a “permeable precinct” with curated retail and commercial spaces within the retail podium, which itself will connect the laneways from Mann Street to Baker Street, while also offering a range of outdoor dining and function spaces.
The southern tower will comprise 100 apartments with direct valley, parkland and waterway views.
While the eastern tower will consist of an 18-storey commercial building, with an emphasis on flexibility.
“This was a huge opportunity for the practice to work on a large-scale multi-staged development in the rapidly growing Central Coast region. We hope the series of buildings and spaces in the precinct will create a unique place for the City of Gosford, reflecting the broader landscape and respecting Country,” said Nicholas Byrne, director at DKO.
The design is currently in development, with the development application expected to be lodged by the end of 2022.
