Laycock Street Theatre has enjoyed a high level of community patronage and useage since its opening in 1988. Built in response to a perceived need by stalwarts of the Gosford Musical Society (GMS), the theatre has a history founded on community service. Several applications were made for funding under a Community Employment Program. The applications were unsuccessful, but the NSW Bicentennial Council Commemmorative Program offered GMS the opportunity to make its dream a reality.
The building of the theatre became a joint project between the NSW Government, the NSW Bicentennial Council, Gosford City Council and Gosford Musical Society. A fundraising appeal was commenced by the former Minister for Art, Heritage and Environment, Mr Barry Cohen. Contributors included Ashton Scholastic, Esanda Finance, Sara Lee and EJ and WA Booth. GMS supporters Kevin Booth, Hans Drielsma and Don Craig enlisted community groups, and a number, particularly Probus, responded to that call for assistance.
Attendance at GMS shows (previously held at public high schools and other venues) increased as most people saw this as a way of supporting the project. Work on the theatre construction commenced in July 1987 and former GMS president, Kevin Booth, remarked "Laycock Street Theatre will be a theatre built by the people, for the people, and because of this it will succeed". Succeed it has.
Laycock Street Theatre is unique on the Central Coast. As the largest tiered seating venue it is sought after by many community organisations for schools programs, dance groups, orchestral groups, touring and locally produced plays, rock concerts, comedies and of course, GMS musicals.
The Gosford Regional Gallery is located on the shores of Caroline Bay in East Gosford. It is part of a complex that also includes the Gosford/Edogawa Commemorative Garden, the Arts Centre and the Caroline Bay Brasserie, Cafe & Function Centre.