THE Central Coast Mariners have unveiled a bold new plan to transform Central Coast Stadium into a “striking and sophisticated” $75 million entertainment hub for Gosford.

But club owner Mike Charlesworth has warned he will walk away from investing big bucks in the 17-year-old venue if Central Coast Council does not stop stonewalling the project.

“If council don’t want me to invest in the Central Coast, I will invest elsewhere — it’s as simple as that,” the Mediatel mogul said in an exclusive interview with the Express Advocate.

A multistorey hotel complex, state-of-the-art stadium and a bustling dining and retail precinct are just an exciting taste of what the London-based tele­communications kingpin has planned for the waterside wonder.

The Centre of Entertainment, which would be developed under five stages, would see a roof built over the northern grandstand, a second tier on the western grandstand, a “corporate tower” with a 100-seat function centre, a new “front door” and improved screens, sound system and Wi-Fi.

media_camera Mike Charlesworth following the club’s win in the A-League grand final in 2013.

Mr Charlesworth has already invested upwards of $40 million developing the Centre of Excellence training facility in Tuggerah with another $60 million yet to be spent on the final two stages.

Now the A-League magnate is prepared to splash his cash on creating a Centre of Entertainment on Gosford waterfront and bring the potential-filled city back to life.

He said the club was keen to take over management rights of the 20,000-seat stadium or ­complete ownership from council but it had fallen on deaf ears.

“The ball is very much in council’s court right now,” he said.

“I’m incredibly frustrated by council — I think they take the Mariners for granted­.

“Every time I come to the Central Coast I’m flabbergasted by the potential, but also the lack of investment ... that largely comes down to local government and not encouraging investors like myself.

“We’re being hamstrung right now by council who perhaps don’t see our vision.”

Mr Charlesworth said the current leasing agreement with the council prevented the club from investing time and money into improving the ageing venue which was already way behind nationally in terms of quality of ­facilities and entertainment offerings­.

The club’s first priority would be to create a more “enjoyable experience” for fans by taking on long-term management rights, creating a 26,000-seat weather-friendly venue and one of the most technologically “sophisticated” stadiums in Australia with state-of-the-art sound, big screen and Wi-Fi systems.

media_camera The Centre of Entertainment masterplan hopes to attract more revenue for the club while creating a vibrant and bustling sport and leisure hub for the region. Source: CKDS Architecture

The club’s ultimate goal would be taking ownership of the site and creating a trendy and bustling hub for sport, leisure and ­entertainment.

“I wouldn’t be investing my money in Gosford if I didn’t see the potential and I think that says a lot,” Charlesworth said.

“We’re putting our hand up right now and saying we’re prepared to invest in this, but we need to take some sort of ownership of it in order to do that.

“We can’t fully invest in something that’s not ours. At the moment we’re tenants.

“If council want to engage in serious discussions about selling the stadium or a public-private partnership in some respect then we’re all ears.”

MARINERS TO LEAD RALLY FOR CITY GROWTH

THE Central Coast Mariners are leading the charge for the future growth of Gosford by calling on politicians, business leaders, developers and the general public to rally together to realise the potential of the languishing city.

The club is welcoming people from all walks of life to join it in the launch of its Growth for Gosford campaign, which will coincide with the Mariners’ match against Perth Glory on Saturday, January 28.

media_camera Club CEO Shaun Mielekamp is looking forward to spearheading positive change for Gosford.

Club CEO Shaun Mielekamp said he was excited to spearhead the campaign which aimed to bring the community together and contribute to positive, long overdue change for Gosford.

“This isn’t just about the Mariners or about football,” Mr Mielekamp said.

“I believe the Central Coast needs to be able to link arms and get progress to happen, rather than just throw mud at itself.

“We need to strategically align with council and have collaboration, not isolation. The worst thing that can happen is nothing.

“Our priority is to drive change and if we’re not going to do it, who is?”

Mr Mielekamp said it would be in the best interests of the club, the council and the broader community to openly discuss upgrading Central Coast Stadium to offer better entertainment variety, including concerts and more NRL games.

He said the stadium could become the “flag-bearer for change” in Gosford.

The club is currently in the second year of a three-year lease agreement with the council and is hoping to implement stage one of its multifaceted master plan as soon as possible to improve the current venue conditions for members.

media_camera Central Coast Stadium has the potential to be a world-class sport and entertainment hub for the region.

“We need a home, not a venue we can hire,” Mr Mielekamp said.

“The only thing that’s really changed in the 17 years the stadium has been (here is) the height of the palm trees — I mean, it’s still got the Bears’ (rugby league club) name on the seats.

“When we’re not there it’s just collecting dust.

“It’s about having this conversation now so when a new council (is elected) in September it’s already on their agenda and we don’t waste more time.”

M ONTY EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE

WITH growing demand for the sport and a more vibrant entertainment offerings, Central Coast Mariners captain Nick Montgomery has welcomed Mike Charlesworth’s stadium plan.

The Mariners celebrated their biggest home game crowd for the season at Sunday’s game against Sydney FC, with 11,398 fans at Central Coast Stadium.

It was the third time in a row more than 11,000 supporters have flocked to the venue.

“Since arriving from England in 2012 my family and I have fallen in love with the Central Coast,” Montgomery said.

“I have played football all over the world and there is no doubting that Central Coast Stadium is one of the most beautiful sporting venues in the world.

“To see Mike’s plans for the stadium is very exciting. The stadium needs to not only be picturesque but a comfortable and enjoyable venue to watch football and as the club continues to grow the stadium needs to improve.”

media_camera Mariners Captain Nick Montgomery has put his full support behind Mike Charlesworth’s $75 million plan for the stadium.

COUNCIL REACTS

CENTRAL Coast Council has rejected claims it has “hamstrung” the Mariners’ plans for Gosford stadium.

In a written statement, the council said it was “bewildered by rumours” that it had received a proposal from the Mariners to buy the stadium­.

It comes as the club confirmed to the Express Advocate it made a detailed 87-page presentation to the council in November outlining its plans.

“While we have seen their vision in terms of aesthetic improvements to the stadium — we have never received a formal proposal from the Mariners to purchase the stadium or take over management rights,” the council statement read.

“Council’s most recent discussions with the Mariners, just before Christmas, centred around their bid to bring a Women’s A-League team to the Central Coast — something we are particularly excited about and very happy to support.

“If the Mariners have a proposal to purchase or take on management rights to the stadium, then they should approach the council formally with the proposal and it will be given due consideration.

“Council enjoys a productive relationship with the CEO of the Mariners and regularly discusses all sorts of issues relating to the stadium and promoting sport more generally on the Central Coast.”