Consultation closed

Council is investigating the establishment of a Special Entertainment Precinct in Gosford to support a safer, more vibrant and more diverse night-time experience.

As the population of the Central Coast continues to grow, Gosford is emerging as a key destination for dining, entertainment, culture and social activity - particularly after dark.

A Special Entertainment Precinct is a defined area where Council applies tailored rules for entertainment-related sound emissions and trading hours.

These rules sit in a Precinct Management Plan and override standard development consent and licence conditions.

To learn more, read our Gosford Special Entertainment Precinct Factsheet and watch the video below:


The proposed investigation area runs from the new University of Newcastle campus building in the north, down to Drifters Wharf in the south, polytec Stadium to the west, and Kibble Park in the east.

The boundary aims to include all entertainment areas in Gosford that could benefit from changes to acoustic controls and operating hours.

What are the benefits?

What you told us

Early community feedback was gathered between 20 February and 23 March 2026 through online and face‑to‑face engagement. More than 800 people took part.

Feedback showed strong support for a Special Entertainment Precinct trial in Gosford, with 89% of survey respondents in favour.

Participants highlighted the importance of a safe, accessible and vibrant night‑time economy and saw the precinct as a key opportunity to make Gosford a more attractive night‑time destination, provided safety and accessibility are carefully planned.

Key insights

  • Strong support for a SEP

    89% support the SEP trial, while 8% were unsure/needed more information and only 3% opposed.

  • Revitalisation of Gosford

    Community members want to see the CBD “brought back to life” through more activity, better use of public spaces and activation of empty shops.

  • Live music and entertainment

    There is strong demand for live music, arts, diverse dining and events. The SEP is seen as a way to showcase local talent and create a vibrant cultural identity in Gosford.

  • Safety and accessibility

    Safety is a top concern, particularly for women and young people. Improved lighting, security presence and safer pedestrian routes are considered essential. Reliable and affordable late-night transport and parking are also key to ensuring the success of the SEP.

  • Economic growth

    The SEP is viewed as a catalyst for economic growth - supporting local businesses, increasing employment opportunities and encouraging residents to spend locally rather than travelling to Sydney or Newcastle.

  • Conditions for support

    Those unsure or opposed to the SEP cited the need for clearer information on the precinct’s boundaries, funding, noise management, safety and security and parking or public transport improvements. Addressing these concerns is critical to building broader confidence in the proposal.

  • Curious about what else we heard?

    Check out the consultation report to learn more about the feedback we received.

    Learn more  

Next steps

Council will apply for NSW Government Kickstart Grant funding to support the next stage of work on the proposed Gosford Special Entertainment Precinct, including technical studies and detailed planning.

A Special Entertainment Precinct Working Group has been established, bringing together Council staff and key stakeholders to guide the project and ensure a collaborative, locally informed approach.

The community will be kept up to date as the project progresses, with updates, milestones and future engagement opportunities shared on this page.

How we asked

How could I share my feedback?

Drop a pin on the map

Complete the survey

Write to Council

To share any further feedback, write to Council by 9.00am Monday 23 March:

When providing feedback to Council 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.

If you require further information, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre. Any written feedback provided may also be made publicly available as (de-identified) verbatim comments in the reporting process.