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Ophir Car Park developer will have to explain how it'll "manage the loss" of up to 215 spots
March 9, 2023
By Peter Holmes
Developers of a multi-level car park on the corner of Kite Street and Lords Place in the CBD will have to "outline how they would manage the loss of parking during the construction period", according to council.
There are currently 215 parking spots at the Ophir Car Park.
During development some or all of these spots will be removed, leaving the city short of parking for workers, shoppers, visitors and people with medical and other appointments.
Orange City Council is calling for Expressions of Interest to develop the site.
"The project is aimed at creating a new building which would double the current amount of parking in the Ophir Car Park and could also include a new commercial or residential development," Orange City Council stated in a media release.
"Possible developments for the site, that would need Council planning approval, could include commercial premises, retail or office space, a mixed-use centre with entertainment facility, or serviced apartment accommodation."
According to council proposals from developers "should provide enough parking to cater for the new commercial or residential developments, as well as doubling the amount of existing parking available to the public (from 215 to 430)".
Orange City Council told The Orange News Examiner that developers' response to the question about how they would manage the loss of spots during construction would be a factor in determining who won the contract.
Council engaged JPAbusiness Pty Ltd to manage the Expressions of Interest process on its behalf.
“It’s a site that offers a lot of potential for an investor and there’s been significant interest,” company managing director James Price said in the statement.
“As well as positive indications from developers, it’s been good to hear from high profile retailers who want to be on the list of potential tenants if the final design does include new retail spaces. It’s another vote of confidence in the project.”
The formal EOI process has now begun. It closes on 17 April 2023.
Orange Mayor Jason Hamling said he’s looking forward to seeing the results of the EIO.
“There’s a lot of community interest in this project to make more of this site,” Hamling said in the statement.
“To keep making our CBD more pedestrian friendly, we need to find more parking within a short walking distance to key hospitality and shopping areas of town.”
“The Ophir Car Park is virtually a clean slate for a developer and has the zoning and height limits to make it an attractive proposition.”
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