Bell Street development

The expression of interest (EOI) is a public invitation to all interested parties to participate in the project. Developers must lodge a statement detailing the indicative terms for partnership development, development proposal, approach, capacity, experience and demonstrated leadership in mixed use developments.

Timeline

The EOI period has closed.

Council may select a shortlist from the developers to the EOI following an evaluation against the evaluation criteria outlined in the EOI document.

All developers wishing to lodge a submission must register to use Council's Procurement Portal.

This request for proposal (RFP) is the second part of the selection process to identify developers that can purchase the land and deliver the potential project.

Shortlisted developers may be identified, and invited to submit a complete proposal in response to legal documents and list of conditions prepared by Council as part of an RFP.

It is expected that any eventual developer may be further considered by Council in 2022.

The Bell Street Mall Community Consultations and Urban Design Framework (2009) identified the opportunity for a community hub within the Bell St Mall. This was to include meeting rooms, educational facilities, a contemplative space, and potential to host other functions.

The 3081 Community Services Strategy and Facilities Plan (2013) identified the Bell St Mall as a precinct for community and cultural connections, with the possibility of including dedicated community space.

The LaTrobe National Employment and Innovation Cluster - Joint Community Infrastructure Plan (2016) reinforced consideration for a multipurpose community centre as part of future development of Heidelberg West.

We are exploring the creation of this community space to deliver on these visions.

As early as 2009, the Bell Street Mall Community Consultations and Urban Design Framework (2009) identified the opportunity for a community hub within the Bell St Mall. This was to include meeting rooms, educational facilities, a contemplative space, and potential to host other functions.

In 2021, we undertook feasibility assessments and some early market-sounding processes via a call for expressions of interest. With the timing now appropriate to realise the vision for a community hub, we will potentially appoint a developer to commence this project in 2022.

There are 3 main steps in this process, including:

• community consultation and engagement
• Council officer assessments and evaluations
• Council reporting and formal resolutions.

The Heidelberg Central and Bell St Mall Parking Plan (2016) identified the Bell St Mall car park was being underused. If the development proceeds, the Mall would remain well provisioned by parking lots on Coomalie Crescent and Oriel Road.

All new parking requirements (for any proposed development) would require assessment against our Planning Scheme requirements.

The land is located within a Commercial 1 zone (C1), which does not set a mandatory height limit for the development. Any proposal from a developer would be subject to assessment from our planning department.

A good indicator for site potential is the residential development at 294 Bell Street (160m east of the site), where 2 residential towers have received permits to build 11 and 14 storeys.

There will be an impact on traffic during the construction period, as managed through a future construction management plan.

The long term impact on traffic would be subject to traffic assessment via our planning team. We have strict criteria for traffic requirements, and will consider the needs of locals and visitors to the area in its assessment.

We have not placed restrictions upon preferred housing types for the development, and we are open to supporting a variety of options for the area.

Large developments can be disruptive in terms of noise and heavy machinery, however any developer building on the land will be required to submit a construction management plan to us for approval.

This plan would ensure disruptions to locals are considered and minimised where possible.