31/3/06
Four proponents on the short-list to develop Perth's prime 140 William Street site have been issued with a Request for Proposal (RFP) document to guide their designs.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said each developer would have the chance to put forward a unique design for a mixed-use project, which would invigorate the retail heart of Perth.
"To be located above the New MetroRail's William Street Station, this site is one of the most significant development opportunities in the City of Perth," Ms MacTiernan said.
The four short-listed proponents are:
- Evolution Consortium (Cbus Property Pty Ltd and Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd);
- Grocon;
- LendLease Corporation Ltd and Australian Prime Property Fund; and
- Multiplex Developments Australia.
In a first for Western Australia, Ms MacTiernan said the project would include sustainable office accommodation as specified under the Green Building Council of Australia's five-star rating.
"To date, only six projects in Australia have been granted a five-star rating or above, all outside WA," the Minister said.
"Each developer will need to address the necessary energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials, waste management and other criteria.
"We want this project to become a benchmark for sustainable office development around WA."
The project is being managed by a cross-agency steering committee, which comprises representatives of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, LandCorp, City of Perth, Heritage Council of WA, Western Australian Planning Commission, Public Transport Authority, Department of Housing and Works, the State Solicitor's Office and the Department of Treasury and Finance.
Housing and Works and Heritage Minister Michelle Roberts said historic buildings would be retained in the project.
"Developers will be required to execute a heritage agreement with the State for the Globe Hotel, Wellington Buildings, the Mitchell Building facade and the Commercial Building (Baird Building) which will be integrated into the development," Mrs Roberts said.
"As well, the successful proponent will have the option of buying the leasehold of Albert Facey House and renting it back to the State Government.
"This is on top of the State's existing pre-commitment to lease 22,000sq.m of sustainable office accommodation within 140 William Street.
"This means up to 31,000sq.m of office accommodation could be leased to the State for 15 years - increasing the potential for the site.
"The 140 William Street site is one of those rare opportunities to create a benchmark inner city development and through the RFP process the private sector is being asked to help shape Perth's future."
Each developer is required to submit a proposal by June 28.
The next step is for the State Government to name a preferred developer for the site, with whom the sale and development will be negotiated.
The agreement to sell the site is expected by the end of this year, while it is envisaged that the project will be completed in 2009.
Details of the 140 William Street project are available on LandCorp's website at
http://www.landcorp.com.au Office of the Minister for Planning & Infrastructure: 9213 6400
Office of the Minister for Housing & Works; Heritage: 9213 6600
