Blue Mountains City Council

Springwood Town Centre Project

Background

The Springwood Town Centre Project was initiated at the Council meeting of 30 January 2007 when the Council considered the possibility of using public land as a catalyst to assist the further development of the Springwood town centre.

The public land under consideration in the project comprises three key sites within the town centre identified as the "Southern Car Park Site", the "Northern Car Park Site", and the "Civic Centre Site". The Department of Lands, as owner of a parcel of land on the Northern Car Park Site is participating in the project.

A number of initial studies were undertaken including parking provision, traffic circulation, economic development and a check was undertaken on the status of the property involved. A community workshop was undertaken to identify issues and discuss ways to test for market interest in the land and a report of the workshop produced.

On 24 April 2007 the Council determined to undertake an initial assessment of needs for community facilities and services and recognised that as the Council owned sites contain a number of significant community uses and the implications of their relocation or replacement would need to be clearly understood prior to engaging in a tender process.

On 7 August 2007 the Council decided to place an Options Report which outlined options to gauge market interest in the public land on public exhibition seeking comment over the period 13 August to 24 September 2007. 140 submissions were received during this period. The Council considered these submissions on 12 October 2007 and decided to follow a 2 stage procurement process being:

  • Stage 1: Call for expressions of interest (EOI); and
  • Stage 2: request for detailed Proposals (RDP).
Expressions of Interest

A Call for Expressions of Interest and supporting tender process was prepared and on 30 October 2007, the Council resolved to proceed to invite Expressions of Interest on the Civic Centre Site, the Northern Car Park site and the Southern Car park site.

Expressions of Interest were sought from November to December 2007. Five submissions were received and the tender evaluation of these was reported to the Council on 11 March 2008. The Council resolved to invite three proponents to proceed to Stage 2 at a date yet to be determined. These were Coles Group, Woolworths Limited, and Jamieson Property Group and a summary of their proposals is provided for iinformation.

A brief which outlines requirements for community and cultural facilities and other matters for consideration in any development of one or more of the sites was to be prepared and public comment sought prior to proceeding with the tender process.

Preparation of Brief for Stage 2

On 15 July 2008 a Program Plan was adopted which outlined a program for investigation of major issues, development of detailed requirements for the town centre and community and civic facilities and services and for consultation with the community and major stakeholders.

Preparation of a more detailed assessment of the needs for community and cultural facilities and services was commenced. This assessment was then to inform other studies and investigations. There have been delays experienced in the completion of this assessment and this has slowed progress with the project.

Recent Council Decisions

Following the election of the current Council in September 2008 the Council has considered a number of motions regarding amendments to the procurement process, and consultation around the project. On 11 November 2008, Council considered a rescission motion for the Council resolution of 11 March 2008. This was deferred.

On 17 February 2009 the Council resolved to contact the shortlisted proponents to ascertain whether they are still interested in the project prior to proceeding with the project. The Council also resolved to investigate ways of obtaining public opinion on the way forward including conducting a poll or referendum and other methods of consultation. A notice of motion to 17 February 2009 asked for advice on the total cost of the Springwood Town Centre project to date. This report is expected to be presented to the Council on 14 April 2009.

For information on this project please contact Council on (02) 4780 5000 or springwoodproject@bmcc.nsw.gov.au.