Construction begins on Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub

Not-for-profit organisation Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC) has announced that construction is beginning on a Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub. CCIC says the $17.14 million project, fully funded by the Australian Government, will position the Central Coast as a premier destination for food manufacturing.

The facility is designed to support both established and scale-up food and beverage businesses and will also include pilot and training spaces dedicated to assisting in product development, skills training, and innovation. The project is being delivered in partnership with Central Coast Council, University of Newcastle and Regional Development Central Coast.

At the heart of the hub will be the newly established Manufacturing Advancement Centre. This centre will offer a holistic, pragmatic approach to business improvement for both food and non-food manufacturers.

Some of its offerings include:

• technical and product development support;
• management and shop floor training programs;
• access to a network of specialised service providers where needed.
   

Services will be tailored to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.

“This is a long-time vision that we have had for the Central Coast, and it’s great that we are now on our way to making it happen,” said Frank Sammut, Executive Director at CCIC.

The Hub is slated to be operational by the end of March 2026, but CCIC isn’t waiting to make an impact. In the lead-up to the facility’s opening, the team has already commenced the development and rollout of industry-led training programs, focusing on manufacturing leadership, product innovation and machine operation.

“Between now and when the hub opens, it is planned to have programs developed, piloted, and proven so we can hit the road running when the hub officially opens,” Sammut said.

With the support of the University of Newcastle and Regional Development Australia Central Coast, an interim Skills Hub has been established at the university’s Ourimbah campus, complete with newly installed training equipment.

Training is already underway and is open to a wide range of participants, from students and industry professionals to small business owners. The programs will also support broader inclusion by providing training opportunities for women, Aboriginal people, and unemployed individuals who are ready to be part of the region’s manufacturing future.

Image credit: iStock.com/SeventyFour