Central Coast $1.3b development includes all-weather fields, new roads and infrastructure

Washed-out community sport matches and sodden ovals could be a thing of the past with Third.i’s proposed $1.3 billion mixed-use development on the Central Coast.

The Sydney-based developer’s project at Charmhaven includes multi-million-dollar all-weather, synthetic community sporting fields and facilities, along with a pipeline of critical infrastructure to be funded and completed by Third.i.

The project, which is the largest housing development planned for the Central Coast, aims to deliver more than 2000 homes, a school catering for 1500 students from K-12, and a new business park.

Additionally, the development includes the construction of a new link road between Arizona Road and the Pacific Highway to alleviate traffic congestion in the area, plus two new key intersections to improve traffic flow further.

“These measures will not only reduce congestion but also make the area safer for everyone,” Third.i’s head of acquisitions, Florian Caillon, said.

“This includes a much-needed all-weather sports facility for local community sports groups, as well as new roads, water and electricity, which will benefit Charmhaven and the wider region – all at no cost to the NSW Government.

“In addition, there will be walking trails, cycleways and 120 hectares of ecology lands, which we will be funding in perpetuity for future generations.”

If approved, the sports grounds will be the only all-weather sporting field on the Central Coast and are expected to provide year-round access to the community for public use.

Alex Burgin, CEO of Central Coast Football, said the need for all-weather sporting facilities has never been more urgent.

Recent wet weather forced the closure of grounds across the Central Coast, leaving thousands of children unable to play or train.

“The Central Coast football community has been hit hard by ground closures due to wet weather, with many children missing out on playing the sport they love for weeks on end,” Mr Burgin said.

“Any proposal that invests in all-weather sporting infrastructure is not just welcome, but essential for our region’s future.

“Central Coast Football and our 16,500 playing members are keen to support initiatives like the Charmhaven proposal, which will ensure football is accessible year-round for everyone.”

Kanwal Football Club president Brendan Ross said hundreds of kids are affected when the fields are closed due to wet weather.

“I’ve been involved with Kanwal Football Club for six years, and every time it rains, over 540 kids miss out on their training and weekend sport, and that needs to stop,” Mr Ross said.

“If investments like Charmhaven are proposing this type of sporting infrastructure, as a community, we need to support it.”

The development also includes a proposed new school and business park.

St Philip’s Christian College Charmhaven will be a low-fee, independent Christian school serving up to 1500 students from K-12.

The new business park will create more than 600 new operational jobs.

If approved, Mr Cailon said the first new homes could be delivered in 36 months.

“We are committed to creating a new, multi-faceted community which will provide a pipeline of affordable and sustainable housing, infrastructure and green open spaces for the fast-growing Central Coast,” Mr Caillon said.

The population on the Central Coast is forecast to increase to more than 404,250 people by 2041.

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