In 2018, a formal partnership between RDA Central Coast, Business NSW Central Coast, the University of Newcastle, and Central Coast Industry Connect was established to build the Central Coast’s reputation as an internationally renowned centre of excellence in food innovation.

From this concept, the Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub (the Hub) was designed to be not just a facility, but a catalyst for growth. Backed by a $17.14 million investment and supported by the Australian Government, the University of Newcastle, Business NSW, Central Coast Council and RDA Central Coast, the Hub was officially opened on 10 July 2026 and is working to:

• Strengthen the region’s $2 billion food and beverage sector
• Build workforce capability through training and partnerships
• Drive innovation with pilot-scale production and research and development facilities, and
• Create jobs and regional economic growth.

In June 2023, Central Coast Council became a key partner in the project following its decision to provide a long-term lease of suitable community land to offset the cost of building the Hub.

Located at the heart of the Central Coast, just over an hour from both Sydney and Newcastle, the Hub positions the region as a national centre of excellence in food and beverage manufacturing — where ideas turn into impact and businesses scale with confidence. The Hub is already attracting national and internal interest and has also secured $200,000 from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for training facilities to be constructed within the building.

The Hub provides 8 food-grade factory bays (136–200sqm) that are scalable, fully serviced and production-ready. The site has shared infrastructure, cold storage, offices, waste management, and pilot manufacturing equipment to reduce risk and accelerate innovation.

Adjacent to the Ourimbah Train Station and Pacific Highway (M1), the Hub is close to both the University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW, and is located just over an hour away from major ports and airports, and central to major Central Coast food processors.