There are currently plans awaiting approval by Gosford Council to develop the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre into a five-screen theatre complex with a cafe, function centre and five three-bedroom units. The theatre owners want to provide more diversity and improve profitability.
The proposed building has no setback from Hunter Park and is four storeys high, an unprecedented height in this vicinity which exceeds the current zoning restrictions for height and floor space ratios. No extra parking has been provided (except for 10 spaces for the residential units). Current cinema seating would increase from 280 to 615 and a clause in the DA recommends the theatre as an ideal venue for church services, giving the example of Coastlife Church as it has many Avoca members. Dr Helen Monks, a local town planner with over thirty years experience in property and regional development, has calculated that with the cafe, function centre and five auditoriums the business can accommodate up to 1553 people at the same time.
The Council is proposing that the Crown Land be a car park, this is against the Crown land Act.
http://www.crownlandourland.org.au/
http://friendsofavoca.wordpress.com/current-issues-2/avoca-theatre/
https://www.facebook.com/saynototheoverdevelopmentofavocabeachtheatre
http://www.change.org/p/say-no-to-the-overdevelopment-of-avoca-beach-theatre
Comment from a resident........."The $500 000 offered in the VPA is a blatant bribe, it will only be paid to Gosford City Council IF Council approve Avoca Picture Theatre's DA for 4 additional picture screens, large function room, 5 three storey apartments and restaurant without providing on site parking for staff or potential 1400 patrons".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNI5dwBJlg8
https://friendsofavoca.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/objection-to-avoca-theatre-vpa.pdf
http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2013/01/11/avoca-theatre-proposal-raising-eyebrows/
