Gosford library has been saved from the threat of demolition, with the Central Coast Council recently voting to retain rather than raze this significant Modern building.
In late 2023, The Central Coast Council agreed to demolish the Gosford Library building in response to a new facility being constructed across the road. This proposal was met with considerable opposition, with locals recognising that it was not only a locally important building for social and architectural reasons, but also in sound condition and perfectly capable of being repurposed.
The building is currently recognised as a significant building by Docomomo, the Australian Institute of Architects and the National Trust (NSW). The National Trust note that it has also been recommended on numerous occasions for listing on the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan.
The National Trust listing notes that:
- The building is architecturally meritorious, having been designed with a high quality of aesthetic, creative and technical values. Constructed in 1968, it reflects an excellent standard of design that resulted from a highly collaborative process between the architect (Alan Williams & Associates), engineers (Arup), builder (A.W. Edwards), and material suppliers (Fabbrostone). The library features a distinctive architectural form that incorporates uniquely detailed unpainted precast concrete panels and well-crafted timber roof framing. A building of this type is a rarity in the Central Coast region.
- The place is an excellent example of mid-century public architecture, reflecting an important social investment in establishing civic facilities in the region. This building could serve the community for many more years.
- The library is of high social significance, having been continuously used for almost sixty years. The building, purposely designed in a cohesive landscape with Kibble Park, provides an important indoor-outdoor space for community and cultural activity in Gosford.
Central Coast locals have rallied to save the Gosford Library since the demolition was proposed, with ongoing petitions, letters and community advocacy reflecting the sustained community investment in this significant place. The National Trust has engaged with the Central Coast Council on several occasions, recommending that the Gosford Library building is suitable for adaptive re-use and noting that this would be the best possible environmental and cultural outcome in response to the evolving landscape of the Gosford CBD.
In May 2025, the Council opened a survey to allow public feedback regarding the future of the building. Key findings included:
- 76% of survey respondents supported retaining and repurposing the building
- 93% of email submissions advocated for retention, citing heritage and community value
- 3824 petitions were received expressing objection to the demolition of the building
In August 2025 the Central Coast Council reviewed the feedback and unanimously agreed to retain the building, reflecting the wishes of their community and are currently investigating options for future use.
The National Trust commends the Central Coast Council for retaining this significant building – a place important to the accessibility of education in NSW and a unique architectural gem for Gosford – and the group of concerned locals whose efforts have led to a positive heritage outcome.
We look forward to a vibrant future for this important building.
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The National Trust (NSW)’s mission is to advocate for the conservation of built, cultural and natural heritage. Read more about our campaigns and advocacy work.
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