Tudor St property - Expressions of Interest
Several community organisations have progressed to Stage Two in an Expression of Interest process for the future use of a community facility in Tudor Street, Richmond.
In June 2011, Council called for Expressions of Interest from local community groups who wished to use the property at 49 Tudor Street. Ten submissions were received.
At its monthly meeting in August 2011, Council determined which organisations should proceed to Stage Two, which will involve developing detailed proposals for their use of the site. As some of the proposed uses complement each other, Council suggested that submitters work together on proposals for Stage Two.
The two proposals that will proceed to Stage Two involve the following submitters:
- Richmond Community Learning Centre, Burnley Community Hub - here studio and Richmond Toy Library
- Cultivating Community and the Richmond Community Garden Group.
Here are the EOI submissions made by the above organisations:
Richmond Community Learning Centre - Tudor Street EOI (2.25MB)
Burnley Community Hub - here studio - Tudor Street EOI (952.23kB)
Richmond Toy Library - Tudor Street EOI (74.00kB)
Cultivating Community - Tudor Street EOI (73.00kB)
Richmond Community Garden Group - Tudor Street EOI (66.50kB)
The two short-listed grouped proposals will each receive up to $10,000 from Council to help in the preparation of a feasibility study.
At its meeting, Council decided against progressing with a proposal from Catholic Homes and Stoll Long Architecture for social housing on the site. While Council is a strong supporter of social housing, it was determined that it would be more appropriate to provide community activities on the Tudor Street site.
Background
In February 2011, Council decided not to proceed with a proposed sale of the Tudor Street property. The property previously housed the Burnley Neighbourhood Centre and a Maternal and Child Health service, but has been vacant since 2007.
Many community members opposed the sale, saying a community facility was needed in an area with a growing residential population.
At its meeting in February 2011, Council resolved not to sell the property. Council resolved to instead call for Expressions of Interest from local community groups interested in using it.
Council resolved that the scope of intended uses may include, but will not be limited to, the following:
(a) provision of neighbourhood house activities including training and development
(b) toy library, occasional child care and allied playgroups
(c) general multi-purpose community meeting space
(d) arts-based activities and studios under the ‘Room to Create’ program
(e) community garden activities
(f) social enterprise incubator generating local employment
(g) development of affordable housing options
(h) office space for organisations
(i) local open space for passive use
(j) activity space for older adults, and
(k) youth activity space.
Options that will be contemplated through the EOI process include: renovation and re-use of existing buildings, demolition (partial or whole) of existing buildings, or partial or total redevelopment of the site.
As part of the EOI, community groups will be asked to indicate whether they can contribute towards the costs of any building works.
Council has sought expert advice on what it would cost to refurbish the existing buildings at 49 Tudor Street, and make them compliant with the Building Code of Australia and the Disability Discrimination Act. It is estimated that it would cost between $725,000-$825,000. Council has allocated $300,000 towards the refurbishment in its 2011/2012 Budget. An additional $500,000 is proposed to be included in Council’s 2012/2013 capital works budget.
Next Steps
Stage Two – Feasibility
A small number of applicants from Stage One have been invited to participate in Stage Two where they will develop their early concepts to a feasibility study stage.
The feasibility study will require consideration of the following factors:
- detailed planning around building re-use, demolition or redevelopment
- development of a service plan that articulates in detail the activities to be delivered and the net community benefit of the proposal
- development of an operational budget to demonstrate viability and sustainability
- land use planning advice to ensure use is consistent with current zoning
- a capital development plan that indicates ability for the project to be delivered, and
- detail of capital or operational funding contributions to the proposal from the entity or third party.
Stage Three – Project Approval
Council will review and assess Stage Two feasibility studies and determine a preferred use for the site.
At this stage Council may determine any of the following outcomes:
- to support a specific proposal or number of proposals from Stage Two
- ask for further information on a specific proposal prior to determining an outcome
- seek an amendment or change to any proposal, or
- abandon the process.
Proposed road discontinuance
In a separate matter to the property sale, Council has resolved to discontinue a section of road next to 49 Tudor Street , Richmond. The road sits at the junction of Tudor Street and Westbank Terrace.
At its March 2011 meeting, Council resolved to discontinue the road and return the land to Council. Council sought public feedback on the proposed road discontinuance in late 2010. Here is the Public Notice (33.91kB) which was published at that time. Council did not receive any submissions about the proposal.
Further information
Craig Kenny
Director – Community Programs
9205 5100
craig.kenny@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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