Plans to reshape the Elizabeth CBD will progress on Tuesday 30 November, with a Special Council Meeting being held to consider which submissions from developers will proceed to the next stage of the project.

Council wants to work with strategic partners to develop the Elizabeth CBD into a thriving retail, business and entertainment precinct. After an Expression of Interest earlier this year, Council will decide at Tuesday night’s meeting which proponents will be invited to provide detailed submissions for the project.

The detailed submission stage requests specific information from proponents, such as concept designs, detailed delivery plans and financial information. An important part is for proponents to tell Council how they will address the project’s guiding principles, including:

• Deliverability - Can they deliver in a timely manner?
• Catalytic outcomes - To attract and encourage investment in the CBD
• Place making and activation - How they plan to make the CBD come alive
• High Quality Urban Design and Sustainability - Delivering the highest standard outcomes

Quality submissions from EOI process

Council is pleased with the level of interest and the quality of submissions received from reputable and experienced developers.

Submissions went through a thorough evaluation and probity process, with Council considering submissions recommended by an Evaluation Panel. This panel comprised internal and external specialists who assessed submissions against Council’s vision for the CBD and the project’s guiding principles.

The evaluation process was conducted within a formal Probity Framework to ensure fairness, integrity and that Council is considering partners who are capable of delivering the project, have proven performance and can meet our community’s expectations.

Importantly, Council is seeking partners that are willing to fully fund the development of the CBD via private investment, rather than Council funding the development, and no commitments or contracts are entered into at this point.

Best result for the community

The Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 30 November will be held in confidence. As this is a competitive process, reviewing the submissions in confidence will ensure Council gets the best result for the community and best value outcomes for ratepayers.

Proposed land revocation

Council will discuss the proposals received and how they relate to the proposed revocation of community land in the CBD precinct and along the Main North Road windbreaks. The Council cannot proceed with approving a final revocation without the Minister’s approval.

To find out what happens next and to learn more about the project, visit our CBD Project page.