Potential collaboration with Council at Lot 12 Bayshore Drive

Published on 14 September 2020

Calling entrepreneurs, creatives and innovators – Byron Shire Council is calling for Expressions of Interest (EoI) for partners in the development of Lot 12 Bayshore Drive.

It’s one of Council’s prime real estate assets and rather than sell it to the highest bidder on the open market, Council is looking to partner with organisations to see approximately half the block developed into a mixed use precinct with innovation and creativity at the core of business and development.

Lot 12 is a 5.8 hectare block of land located in the heart of the Byron Arts and Industry Estate with the focus of the EoI on 2.6 hectares fronting Bayshore Drive.

The remainder of the block is bush, connecting to the West Byron Sewage Treatment Plan and it will be preserved to protect and enhance its high environmental and ecological values.

Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson, said TAFE NSW has already confirmed it will be an anchor tenant on the site.

“Because this block of land is in a prime location Council sees an opportunity to reap long term commercial benefits for residents rather than simply selling the land,” Mayor Richardson said.

“Lot 12 was used to store equipment but most of this has been cleared away and Councillors want to see the block used to provide a financial benefit to the Shire,” he said.

Council’s vision for Lot 12 is a mixed use precinct that combines global innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, research collaboration, cultural activity and nature, with a TAFE Connected Learning Centre as an anchor tenant.

“Lot 12 will be a place to learn, collaborate, create, change and connect,” Mayor Richardson said.

“We would like to see the land used for creative and emerging digital industries, research and office or commercial space which will be important to diversify Byron which is currently so reliant on the tourism industry.

“It will not be suitable for stand-alone retail, residential or tourism uses,” he said.

Council wants to retain ownership over as much of the site as possible but recognises a portion of the land may need to be sold to allow for the development of infrastructure.

“Aside from TAFE occupying a portion of the site and wanting to achieve long-term commercial and financial benefits for our community, Council is open to all ideas for the future of Lot 12,” Mayor Richardson said.

Expressions of Interest are open from 14 September to 22 October 2020. 

Information about the Lot 12 Bayshore Drive EoI is available on Council’s website.

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.