Confidence in the Future
Business investment in the Central Coast remains relatively strong with internal and external investment showing continued confidence in the region.
Internal investment from growing and expanding locally owned businesses is proving to be a positive contributing factor to the strength of the regional economy which is underpinned by continuing external investment in the region by some of Australia's leading corporations, along with smaller companies, who seek the competitive advantages that the Central Coast offers.
The following is an example of locally owned businesses investing in the region:
- In late 2008 Mingara Recreation Club opened Mingara One, a new $6 million fitness centre.
- In early 2009 the Central Coast Mariners FC announced plans to build a state-of-the-art football training complex and administrative centre at Tuggerah which will be the finest in Australia and a Centre of Excellence for football.
- In early 2009, a local consortium commenced construction of Stage 1 of Riverside West Gosford, a $16 million commercial development on a 90,000sqm property owned by the Gibbens Family with frontages to Central Coast Highway and Manns Road, both main arterial roads.
The following is a snapshot of recent inward investment in the region by larger corporations:
- With the Central Coast continuing to be one of the fastest growing regions within its network area, EnergyAustralia is investing more than $405 million in the five years to 2012 to maintain and improve the performance of their electricity network on the Central Coast.
- Pacific Beverages, a joint venture of Coca-Cola Amatil and SABMiller - one of the world's largest brewers, has commenced construction of a $120 million boutique premium brewery at Warnervale Business Park. The project is expected to be completed in early 2010.
- In March 2009 Gosford Council approved Aria Terrigal, a $50 million residential and commercial development in the heart of Terrigal. Construction of Stage 1 of the project will commence in late 2009.
- Sydney businessman, John Singleton, has invested more than $16 million buying and refurbishing two iconic Central Coast properties in Killcare and Pretty Beach.
- In mid-2009 national freight company, Toll Ipec relocated to Berkeley Vale, opening a new $3.7 million purpose-built terminal facility.
- Sico South Pacific, a manufacturer of portable dance floors, moved into a new purpose-built facility at Berkeley Vale in early 2009.
- Pure Fishing Australia, a division of Pure Fishing - the largest supplier of fishing tackle in the world, expanded their Australian operation with the opening of an additional 7,000sqm warehouse and office facility at Tuggerah Business Park in early 2009.
