Outdoor Trading Specification adopted

Project update

The final version of the Central Coast Outdoor Trading Specification was formally adopted at the 25 June 2024 Council meeting. View the adopted Outdoor Trading Specification here.

To learn more about the feedback received and Council's response, view the Engagement Summary and Closing the Loop Statement.

Project background

We sought the community's feedback on the Draft Central Coast Outdoor Trading Specification. The Central Coast is home to a vibrant local community who are encouraged to use public places and road reserves as a means of stimulating business growth. Council processes applications for outdoor dining and vending and for associated temporary and fixed structures. The Draft Specification will help regulate this function.

The objectives of the proposed Specification are to:

  • Facilitate the creation of a vibrant atmosphere in appropriate areas
  • Facilitate improvements to street vitality, amenity, and economic viability
  • Ensure equitable and safe movement for a broad range of users, and
  • Set out the requirements for businesses that are seeking approval to:
    • Expand their trade onto Council’s road reserve or in a public place adjacent to the fixed premises; and/or
    • Install temporary or fixed structures within an Outdoor Trading Area.

The Specification is intended to supersede the Guidelines for Business Use of Public Footpath Policy A5.09.2010 (former Gosford Shire Council) and the Policy for Outdoor Eating Areas WSC020 (former Wyong Shire Council). This will result in a single document that achieves consistent and high-quality outcomes for outdoor vending and outdoor dining, including their ancillary structures, across the local government area.

All relevant feedback will be considered before the Draft Specification is adopted at a future Council meeting.

Submissions now closed

We invited local businessowners, representatives and community members to sign up for one of three information sessions. The location and details were as below:

  • Thursday 8 February 3:30pm – 5:30pm, Central Coast Administration Building
  • Friday 9 February 2:30pm – 4:30pm, Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club
  • Monday 12 February 12:30pm – 2pm, Online

Submissions were to be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Farmer, between 14 December 2023 and 27 March 2024 (amended from 22 February 2024) via:

Your attention is drawn to the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 which allows for possible access to certain public and personal documentation. View our privacy statement.