Summaries of proposals

Coles Group

Blue Mountains City Council has issued a Call for Expressions of Interest Document for the development of three strategic sites in the Springwood Town Centre. The purpose of this Expressions of Interest process is to enable Council to consider opportunities that may exist for the use of these sites, to assist the further development of the Springwood Town Centre precinct.

This Call for Expression of Interest submission is made by Coles Group Property Developments Ltd, an operating entity within Wesfarmers Limited, and looks to respond suitably to the desired project objectives and outcomes that have inspired this Expression of Interest process.

Our submission offers proposals for all three of the strategic sites involved, resulting in an integrated and cohesive development outcome for Springwood that complements the character, form and atmosphere of the existing town centre.

The design process for the overall concept began by considering and then utilising the different sites for the functions to which they are best suited. This was contemplated in terms of the location of the sites within Springwood, the addition of uses that would benefit the existing town centre and the planning considerations determined by the tenure and zoning of the land.

Coles Group Property Developments have also drawn on their past and current experiences in town centre development to influence these proposals, emphasising certain key criteria that are most relevant to Springwood, including:

• The importance of considering traditional retail planning in creating and enhancing the village style atmosphere;
• Respecting the significance of existing historic buildings in the surrounds, as these buildings create the character of the location, and;
• Considering the impact of the developments in terms of the environment and taking steps to ensure this is minimised through incorporation of design features that support sustainability.

The proposals presented in this submission are the result of the abovementioned processes, with the development of the three sites in the manner described enhancing the appeal, vitality and future of the Springwood Town Centre.

Jamieson Property Group Pty Ltd

The enclosed submission is a response to Councils Call for Expressions of Interest in the Springwood Town Centre Project for all three (3) sites.

The submission meets the primary objections of the Town Centre Project, by contributing to and itself being an economically viable mixed use proposal as well as renewing and significantly enhancing community facilities and services.

The strategies applied to each site attempt to balance and respond to community expectations, geographical constraints, and market analysis.

Currently the Council carparking fronting Springwood Road [Northern Carpark] is disconnected from the existing retail and transport links, is difficult to access and is at an awkward level.
The Town Square is limited in functionality for both formal and informal use.
The Civic Centre is tired, hidden and unwelcoming.

In approaching the three sites, the following opportunities and constraints were recognised and factored into the concepts;

• The Springwood Community lacks the convenience of a full line supermarket and does not offer a comprehensive range of everyday consumables. By providing this type of facility, existing retail businesses along Macquarie Road will be strengthened with escape expenditure to surrounding areas reduced.
• Upgrade, consolidation and integration of both sides of Macquarie Road will enhance hospitality opportunities such as restaurants, cafes, giftware and provide an inviting destination for passing tourist trade.
• Evidence suggests reasonable demand for additional commercial premises given proximity to transport (rail). This will also create an employment destination and further strengthen the town centre with a workforce.
• Demand for residential living in the town centre may not be currently supported. But as the town centre is enhanced and becomes a vibrant destination through this proposal, one could expect this demand to increase. The future development of the rear of the Civic Centre will cater for this and provide a good transition to the residential zone along David Road.
• Providing a vibrant public open space and reinforcing existing community facilities will consolidate the community ethos and strengthen the viability of the retail precinct as a destination.
• Supply of additional retail space needs to be balanced and not undermine existing retailers. Oversupply may be unsustainable and detrimental to existing retailers. This component of the proposal has been limited.
• Current public carparking is disconnected. By integrating carparking on the north and south side of Macquarie Road, one large-scale, convenient and weatherproof facility is created for the use of the entire Town.

Recognising the above points identifies where opportunities lie, in providing sustainable development in Springwood. Key determining factors in strengthening and attracting interest in Springwood are; scale and composition of traders and the quality of public domain.

Our proposed development of the Northern Carpark provides links to transport (train and bus), existing retail (Franklins) public open space (Town Square) and customer carparking.

Development of the Southern Carpark offers higher quality public open space, enhanced bushland views and further linked convenient carparking. The proposal for the Civic Centre site offers centralised community services, an upgrade of facilities to showcase of the community culture and a future residential use.

A more detailed review of each site accompanies this submission. The proposal aims to retain community identity, provide employment opportunities, strengthen the core retail precinct, upgrade community facilities and raise the profile of Springwood.

Woolworths Limited

This submission by Woolworths Limited is a response to Blue Mountains City Council's Call for Expressions of Interest (No 2007-01), for development of one or more strategic sites in the Springwood Town Centre.

Woolworths' proposal includes the two Town Centre sites identified in the EOI document as the Civic Centre Site and the Southern Car Park.

The Woolworths concept delivers the following outcomes:

• Full line 3,200 sqm supermarket, approximately 940 sqm of specialty shops and basement parking for 198 cars on the Civic Centre Site.
• Community facilities currently operating on the Civic Centre site relocated to new purpose built facilities on the Southern Car Park and basement parking provided for 216 cars.
• An increase in total parking to 417 cars for the Civic Centre and Southern Car Park sites compared to current capacity of 210 cars.
• Enhanced pedestrian links from the Southern Car Park development to the existing Northern Car Park.
• Modern community and retail facilities that will service the community needs and reduce escape retail spending to centres outside of Springwood.
• Stimulation of the local economy through reduction in escape retail spending and employment opportunities generated by the new developments.

Woolworths is at the forefront of sustainability of design for supermarkets and retail facilities as evidenced by the recently opened Rouse Hill supermarket in north west Sydney, stores currently under design and construction and the recently announced Woolworths Sustainability Strategy 2007-2015.

Woolworths has a strong track record in delivering projects that achieve community support as well as working with various levels of Government. Examples include West Ryde Marketplace, Mudgee, Gungahlin and Buderim.

Woolworths is a $30 billion plus Australian owned company with vast retail development experience. Since 1993, we have developed more than 50 neighbourhood shopping centres across Australia. Council can be assured that Woolworths has the financial capacity, commitment and experience to deliver the Council's vision for the Springwood Town Centre.