Key mixed-use precincts in the Central Coast commercial market

The Central Coast’s largest centres are evolving beyond retail to become mixed-use precincts that integrate office, medical, residential and community uses. Erina, Tuggerah and Gosford illustrate how these developments are reshaping the commercial market, creating hubs that attract diverse activity and align with the NSW Government’s vision for 15-minute neighbourhoods (NSW Department of Planning and Environment, 2023). 

This shift reflects broader structural changes in how people live, work and shop. For investors and businesses, mixed-use centres provide resilience by diversifying activity and strengthening long-term demand. 

Erina as a regional anchor

With nearly 115,000sqm* of gross lettable area, Erina Fair ranks among the largest regional shopping centres in Australia and is one of the largest outside of the Sydney metropolitan area (Central Coast Business Review, 2023). The precinct draws people from across the Central Coast, functioning as a regional anchor that combines shopping with professional services, hospitality and community facilities. Its scale and catchment make it a natural hub for mixed-use activity, reinforcing its position as a key commercial driver. 

Tuggerah as an emerging commercial hub

Tuggerah has been identified as a strategic centre in the Central Coast Regional Plan 2041. Once defined primarily by retail, it is transitioning into a broader commercial hub. Plans highlight integration of office, medical and education uses alongside retail, supported by its connectivity to the M1 Motorway and proximity to Wyong. This evolution positions Tuggerah as a key employment and service precinct for the northern Central Coast. 

Gosford CBD revitalisation 

Gosford is undergoing a major transformation to re-establish itself as the economic capital of the Central Coast. Public and private investment is targeting renewal of the CBD, introducing a stronger mix of health, education, office and residential activity. The revitalisation is designed to attract both businesses and residents, supported by transport links and waterfront amenity and plays a central part to the Coast’s commercial identity. 

Why mixed-use matters for investors and businesses 

Mixed-use centres are increasingly resilient compared with single-purpose retail destinations. By combining residential, commercial and community uses, they generate consistent foot traffic, support a broader tenant mix and create higher-quality amenity for surrounding communities. 

For occupiers, mixed-use centres provide convenience and proximity to services, enhancing their appeal to staff and customers. For investors, they offer diversification and lower risk, with demand supported by multiple sources rather than a single sector. 

The evolution of Erina, Tuggerah and Gosford illustrates a structural shift in how the Central Coast’s centres are planned and developed. As the region grows, mixed-use developments are set to play a central role in delivering resilient, well-connected hubs that support both community needs and long-term commercial performance.