Developers Vie for Victorian Snow Fields Land Release

The Victorian government has begun sifting through tenders from developers vying for the right to build a raft of facilities within one of the country’s best-known ski fields.

Invitations closed this week for tenders to develop four premium parcels of land with immediate access to the Mt Hotham alpine resort.

The four lots, which circle the resort’s transport interchange and existing commercial facilities, range in size from 650 to 1200 square metres.

The Mt Hotham Resort Management Board (RMB)—a Victorian government statutory authority—is releasing the land as part of the Mt Hotham masterplan. That plan identifies five key precincts. One of them, the Hotham Central Precinct, will become a new centre for resort activity.

Developers have been given a remarkably wide scope in their proposals.

They were told in tender documents the management board would consider residential apartments, hotel accommodation, retail, food and beverage outlets and recreational facilities across one of, or even a combination of, the four parcels of land.

▲ The four lots are in the heart of one of Victoria’s major ski resorts.

“While the RMB acknowledges a range of site usages may be proposed under this tender, it is envisaged the ground floor of developments will generally host a commercial offering to support the creation of a village hub, whether retail, food and beverage or other,” the tender documents said.

“It will markedly improve the urban form and visitor experience offered in-resort, stimulate new commercial opportunities, and support effective place-making for the local community.” 

However, in one stipulation the management board made it clear they want a medical centre. The board said the centre would need about 500sq m and could be located on the ground floor of any of the four sites.

“Responses should note an interest in the provision of this offering and potential commercial model associated with tenure,” it said.

As with most of Mt Hotham, the four lots under the release are on leasehold crown land. Successful bidders will be asked to take on long-term leases once the various projects are completed.

▲ The tender will consider residential apartments, hotel accommodation, retail, food and beverage outlets.

The management board is developing a four-storey public building on a fifth site—outside the tender process—which will be used as management offices, public facilities and potentially more commercial services.

Mt Hotham, in the Victorian Alps, rises to 1862m and is one of Australia’s major ski resorts, located about 360km north-east of Melbourne. Its winter ski runs attract about 150,000 visitors each year, while in warmer months the region appeals to hikers, cyclists and nature lovers.

The management board is tight-lipped about how many developers answered the tender invitation, but is making no secret of the value of the development opportunity.

“With outstanding views and a strategic location near resort services, the Hotham Central Precinct is a prime development location,” the board told developers.

“With direct access to the Great Alpine Road and with close proximity to the ski field, all sites offer exceptional commercial and residential opportunities.”

Australia has five major downhill ski resorts. A month ago the NSW department of regional planning released a $391-million, 40-year masterplan for the Snowy Mountains’ Special Activation Precinct  (SAP), aimed at transforming Jindabyne, best known as the gateway to the NSW ski fields.