A design consortium comprising Plus Architecture, Architecture And, and Chrofi has won a design excellence competition that invited architects to convert a former shopping centre site on the NSW Central Coast into an activated residential precinct.

The winning scheme includes 650 dwellings across five new towers, 5,000 square metres of ground-level retail and commercial space, landscaped public areas and pedestrian walkways to connect the site with Kibble Park. Clear wayfinding will help pedestrians navigate not only the hub’s buildings and activated open spaces, but also the city and transport links beyond.

Architecture And founder and principal Andrew Burns echoed this sentiment, saying the collaboration resulted in a “diverse architectural expression in form, geometry and material – to create a real piece of city, in dialogue with the dramatic Rumbalara escarpment to the perimeter of the site.”

Architecture And founder and principal Andrew Burns echoed this sentiment

The design intent is expressed at three scales: city, neighbourhood and home. City-wise, the aim is to increase urban quality by creating a useful place that appeals for generations. The neighbourhood goal is to foster a community where residents feel a sense of belonging to place and to each other. Finally, all homes are intended to provide customised, resource-efficient living spaces that connect with nature.

Sustainability is prioritised in the buildings through the integration of passiv

Sustainability is prioritised in the buildings through the integration of passive heating and cooling features, biophilic green roofs and solar power. Externally, native planting selections seek to minimise the heat island effect.

The next phase of the project will see the submission of a State Significant Development Application (SSDA). If approved, the proposed Gosford Alive precinct will be constructed on a 1.4-hectare site in Gosford’s city centre.