A council in Melbourne’s fast-growing western suburbs is on the hunt for an experienced developer to partner on an exciting project that will help to position the Werribee City Centre as the capital of Melbourne’s new west.
Wyndham City Council is on a journey to enhance and grow the Werribee City Centre through a series of public-private partnerships, and is seeking a developer that shares its vision for a 1,905sq m site on the banks of the Werribee River.
The council’s director of deals, investment and major projects Kate Roffey said the project was one of three major development sites which would act as catalysts for continued growth in the region.
“We’ve already seen that the private sector has got great confidence in our vision for Werribee, investing in developments like Hunter Werribee (a 12-storey Holiday Inn hotel) and Watton St Riviere apartments,” Roffey said.
“We’re looking for the next developer to join us on our mission of growing Werribee as the capital of Melbourne’s new west.”
Roffey said there was now the unique opportunity for an experienced, quality developer to take over the approved development of the project dubbed the Riverbend Small Catalyst Site.
“This project already has all the agreements, approvals and permits in place, and even a number of pre-sales. This would all be transferred across to the new developer, to help us deliver a landmark development,” Roffey said.
“We’re after a developer who will make limited changes to the design that has already received town planning approval, and one who demonstrates the ability to forward-fund the construction of the project, without relying on apartment presales.”
Roffey said since the initial project delivery agreement was signed, there had been a range of factors that led to both parties revisiting and reconsidering the agreement.
“The Victorian State Government is currently making a major investment in the Werribee City Centre, with construction underway on the Cherry St and Werribee St Level Crossing Removals,” Roffey said.
“These two projects will reshape the Werribee City Centre. The elevated crossing at Werribee St will increase accessibility and see Wyndham Park expanded.
“The closing of the Cherry St crossing and new Tarneit Rd Extension overpass will provide more efficient vehicle movement at the city edge and calm traffic in the city core. This will enhance the city core as a destination and vibrant place for people.”
“Our overall plan and vision for the City Centre has been revisited in response to these changes, to take advantage of the unique opportunities presented. Our revisited plan also responds to the state government’s decision to not proceed with the Australian Education City proposal for the East Werribee Employment Precinct, which will put an increased focus on the Werribee City Centre.”
Recent projects in the area include the redevelopment of Wyndham Park—a $13 million project which has seen the open space in the heart of the city centre transformed into an events and recreation hub of regional significance.
The first of the council’s catalyst sites is also approaching completion—a 12-storey, 150-bed Holiday Inn hotel being developed by the Pelligra Group.
The $11 million redevelopment of the Chirnside Park Sports Precinct, also in the heart of the City Centre, has seen the home of the VFL’s Werribee Tigers transformed into a sporting mecca for the western suburbs, with A-grade facilities.
“The future for the Werribee City Centre is looking bright, and we’re very excited about taking the next step,” Roffey said.
“We’re proud to be a forward-thinking, innovative Council that thinks outside the box. By partnering with the private sector, we share knowledge and values, and work together to create better cities. That’s exactly what these projects are about.”
Werribee is located in the municipality of Wyndham, one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia.
Located just off the Princes Freeway, mid-way between Melbourne and Geelong, Werribee is just a 30-minute drive from Melbourne Airport, Avalon Airport and Melbourne CBD.
It is also just minutes away from the world-renowned Werribee Park Tourism Precinct—home to the Werribee Mansion, Werribee Open Range Zoo, and National Equestrian Centre.
More information on the development opportunity at the Riverbend Small Catalyst Site in the Werribee City Centre is available here.
Proposals must be submitted by 12pm, Wednesday 26 August 2020.
For a copy of the request for proposals pack, email info@navire.com .
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