Known as the “old showgrounds”, Bundaberg Regional Council will offer prime real estate for sale in hopes of attracting much-needed hotel accommodation to the region.
Council approved the proposal at its Ordinary Meeting on 30 June to sell 7 hectares at 45 Burrum Street, which is the site of the former Bundaberg Showgrounds.
Tenders will be called from interested developers however Council isn’t just looking for the best price and will consider how the site would be used by the purchaser to benefit the local community.
Top of Council’s priority wish list for submissions is a significant masterplan development which would incorporate a hotel, public space, new road and housing.
The tender will require the approved purchaser to develop the land in line with Council’s strategic vision for the site, as well as Council’s Corporate Plan and the Local Housing Action Plan.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said Council had received enquiries from a number of parties interested in developing the site.
“The land parcel is ideally located close to central Bundaberg, the Multiplex and the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre, making it a prime location for a multi-purpose development,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“We’ve had enquiries about developing parts of the site for short-stay accommodation, affordable housing development or other commercial developments, so we know there is significant interest in the location.
“Council’s vision for the development, and the conditions put in place for the tender, will ensure the development delivers significant benefits for the community.”
Mayor Blackburn said the submitted plans would also require the incorporation of public spaces.
“As a large multi-purpose site, it is important that the submissions represent a balance between public, residential and commercial uses,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“There is a provision for a public car park for the Multiplex and retention of land along Saltwater Creek for future naturalisation.
“The submissions are also required to preserve and incorporate the historic Bailey Gate into an appropriate public space, in recognition of its ongoing importance to the Bundaberg community.”
Mayor Blackburn said the planned development of the area aligned with the Bundaberg Regional Economic Development Strategy, which highlighted hotel advocacy as a priority for Council.
Tender process
The resolution requires tender submissions for the site to be considered based on the offer price and the plans to include:
- A hotel or similar short term accommodation use, to be located on the corner of Civic Ave and Pyefinch Blvd;
- A publicly accessible car park that will provide capacity for the nearby Multiplex;
- Retention of the Bailey Gate and incorporation into a public space that recognises the heritage of the site;
- Retention of the area currently occupied by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) lease for use in any future naturalisation project for Saltwater Creek;
- A road continuing Pyefinch Blvd to a controlled intersection with Burrum and Boreham Streets as generally shown on the Bailey Quarter masterplan;
- Pedestrian connection across Saltwater Creek in the vicinity of Bingera Street; and
- A housing solution on at least part of the site.
The site is bounded by Civic Avenue, Burrum Street, Pyefinch Boulevard and Saltwater Creek, and has an area of 7.0895 hectares.
The tender will be advertised on Council’s website and Council will engage an agent to market the tender to parties capable of delivering the development.
