FAQs
Is the Built Heritage of the site at risk?
Adaptive reuse is the only option for both the former TAFE and Headmaster’s house. The demolition or significant alteration of significant Heritage areas of either building is not possible. The development of new buildings must be complementary to the heritage significance of the site.
What about Car Parking?
The Proposals need to provide for appropriate car parking either onsite or offsite in another CBD location.
Where do the Community aspirations for the precinct that the EOI details come from?
The objectives for the redevelopment include, creation of a new public community plaza/square, possible use by performing arts functions and other community and cultural functions, to open up the site and link it to the wider area with new/improved access laneways.
These objectives come from the consultation for the Bathurst Town Centre Masterplan (2020), previous consultation including Council’s initial Expression of Interest (2013) prior to accepting the site and the ‘Wish Upon a Square’ consultation in 2015. They also come from important Council strategies and their associated consultations including, Vision Bathurst 2040; Bathurst Regional Local Strategic Planning Statement; Bathurst Cultural Vision 2036; and Bathurst CBD & Bulky Goods Business Development Strategy 2011.
How can I be involved in the process?
Workshops, factsheets, meetings, a website and many other resources are available throughout the process for those interested. Council will seek to communicate how the process is run and how it works within the law.
I have not been involved in previous community consultation, can I provide my views now?
A feedback survey is provided on the yoursay website https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/eoi-former-tafe-precinct for you to input into the current process. In addition, the more detailed framework of the Request for Proposal requires that Council, in partnership with the selected shortlist, will have consultation with the Bathurst Community in relation to their proposals.
What’s in it for Bathurst Region employment, services and trades?
Local services and trades can register their capability with Council. These contacts will be passed to the developers of the preferred proposals for the Request for Proposal.
Council will seek to support proposals with effective local participation plans. Local participation is using local enterprises for goods and services and employing local people.
What’s in it for the Bathurst Region’s Aboriginal Community?
Council will support proposals where the proposed development organisation has an effective approach to using Aboriginal enterprises and employment of Aboriginal Australians in the delivery of the Project.
Why is the process so long?
The process timing is to ensure all parties (developers, financiers, community, and Council) have the time and opportunity to ensure the best outcome.
Will Council dispose of the Site?
At this stage of the process, Council has all options on the table provided they meet the criteria set by Council.
The evaluation criteria require that the Proposals are financially sound and that they guarantee the outcome Council wants on the site. If those guarantees are in place, Council may consider a partnership with others or transfer the site to the ownership or control of others. Further, Council requires that proposals put forward are responsible and sustainable investments.
Who Approves the Development?
The development is likely to exceed $5M and will have Council involvement. As such the development would likely be considered as Regional Development or State Significant Development under the State and Regional Development SEPP. This means Council will not be the consent authority.