Expanding the Coast’s night-time economy

Administrator and Director of Community and Recreations Services, Mel Smith, joined the discussion, saying Council will be working with the Government to deliver Safer Cities – Her Way to improve safety in Gosford and is currently working on a Night Time Economy Strategy.

“This session is just the starting point to drive change for the Central Coast’s live music scene as well as the night-time economy; change that will see the region come alive and thrive through music and performance,” Tesch said.

Collectables is located at 3 Watt St, Gosford, near Australia Post.

Opening hours are 10.30am5pm, seven days a week.

Source: Central Coast Antiques & Collectables

“I am committed to ensuring Coasties are able to enjoy live music and the night-time economy in a way we have never experienced before.”

Graham said the Government had made an election commitment that the Central Coast would be the first place to benefit from the 24-hour Economy Commissioner.

“The Central Coast has its own incredible collection of venues, artists and nightlife businesses that make it such a great place to live, work and visit,” he said.

McDonald’s commitment to work with local government and venues to create an entertainment precinct on the Central Coast.

Using Sydney and the larger international movement as seen in New York, Paris and London as a model, Rodrigues will lead a co-ordinated and collaborative effort with Council, communities, industry and creatives on the Central Coast to build a strong and vibrant night-time economy that prioritises live entertainment.

Central Coast Council’s

“We have such amazing creative talent on the Coast, and it will be fantastic moving forward to unite community efforts and magnify opportunities for our local musos and the talented people working in the sector.

“But it also has its own unique set of challenges when it comes to operating at night and that’s why expanding the remit of the Commissioner is so important.”

Landmark McDonald’s closing and moving north

Two McDonald’s restaurants on either side of the Wyong M1 “twin servos” will close permanently next month and in early 2024 respectively due to an expired lease agreement.

Ampol, which operates the 24-hour service stations, said it would upgrade the sites once McDonald’s had vacated them before new outlets moved in.

Central Coast Council recently approved $4.3M improvements at the northbound service centre including reconfiguration of the car parking area with an extra 27 spaces, the bus/truck parking area, demolition of the building now occupied by Oliver’s, a new dog park and extension of the single lane fast food drive-through to two lanes.

Ampol will also install three EV charging stations and two solar battery storage modules.

A statement from Ampol said upgrades would commence soon at its two service centres on the M1 to improve customer amenity.

“The refreshed sites will include AmpCharge EV charging bays, along with Ampol Foodary, Hungry Jack’s, Oliver’s and other quick service restaurants on both sides of the highway,” the statement said.

A spokesperson for McDonald’s said it was unfortunate that the restaurants at M1 North and M1 South would permanently close in mid-July and early 2024 respectively.

“While we are disappointed these restaurants are closing we are excited to be opening two new McDonald’s restaurants on the M1 at Cooranbong, north of Morisset, in 2024,” the spokesperson said.

“We look forward to continuing to be part of the local community and serving our iconic Macca’s menu at our nearby restaurants in Anzac Rd, Wyong and at Morisset and then from our exciting new restaurants in 2024.”

Sue Murray