Orange City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the purchase and development of the current Orange Regional Conservatorium building at 73a Hill Street.
The existing site was built in 1980 as a Plymouth Brethren Church and was converted into the Orange Regional Conservatorium in 1996. It will be replaced by the new Orange Regional Conservatorium being built in the Civic Square North Court.
Orange Mayor Jason Hamling said the new facility would meet the needs of our growing community and population.
“While the new Conservatorium and Planetarium is being built, it is time to prepare for the future use of this land,” Cr Hamling said.
“This site has potential for a range of housing opportunities that could contribute to the social and economic development of the city.”
Orange City Council owns the site and the proceeds of the sale will contribute towards the cost of the new Conservatorium.
Council decided at its 5 September 2023 meeting to sell the site with the demolition DA already approved.
The building will not be demolished until after the new Conservatorium is complete.
The land spans 4218m² and is a level block zoned R1 Residential, allowing for the construction of private homes. The 9.5-metre-high building is not recognized as having any heritage value. The site is located 25 metres from Summer Street and surrounded by private housing.
“The location is exceptional, right in the city centre and is the perfect location for apartment buildings that would allow retirees or young adults to buy a home surrounded by cafes, restaurants and well connected to public transport,” Cr Hamling said.
EOIs must outline the mix of housing proposed. Council is seeking feasible, carefully considered proposals that consider the context of the surrounding area.
For example, the EOI must provide a detailed description of the development proposal (residential), including the number of apartments and/or townhouses, car park access, types of materials used, and how the proposed development will complement the existing built environment in the Orange CBD.
“We are looking for strong applications that will enhance the residential needs of our city in the future,” Cr Hamling said.
EOIs will close at 5 pm on 23 July 2024.
The EOI form can be found here: https://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/OCC_EOI_Form.pdf
More info about the new Orange Regional Conservatorium can be found here: https://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/orange-conservatorium-and-planetarium/
