Greenough Flats Historic Places EOI

Background                  

The historic Greenough Flats district was originally inhabited by the Yamaji and Noongar Aboriginal tribal groups. Colonial expansion into the district saw intensive settlement and freehold sales on the Flats between 1857 and 1867. An immigrant ticket of leave workforce enabled the district to expand quickly following the arrival of convicts in the Swan River Colony in 1850. By 1879 there were 162 houses in Greenough along with a Police Station, Courthouse, schools and churches. Roads and bridges were also built by convicts and Central Greenough became the focal point for social interactions.

By 1875 Greenough Flats was the leading primary food production area for the Colony. However, by 1890 two natural disasters (including red rust) ruined the wheat crop and floods inundated the Front Flats which led to the decline of the district. Into the 20^th century, many places were abandoned and fell into disrepair. Central Greenough and a number of other significant places were acquired by the National Trust in in the late 1970s and have remained under Trust management since that time.

Potential uses              

Each of the places listed in this expression of interest are vacant and currently listed as reserves for public purposes. Any proposed use will be subject to local council approval and early liaison with the City of Greater Geraldton regarding planning and building code compliance requirements is recommended. Relevant documents and additional planning information is available on the City of Greater Geraldton web site.

As the historic Greenough Flats area is of State heritage significance, planning restrictions on the development of the area exist. The places are within a Special Control Area with guidelines to ensure the conservation of the heritage values of the area.

Proponents are encouraged to discuss any proposals with the City of Greater Geraldton as well as the National Trust of Western Australia. The National Trust encourages compatible uses that respect the cultural significance of the place. These may include residential and/ or commercial uses.

Heritage approvals      

The National Trust of Western Australia has delegated authority under the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 for places it owns or manages. This gives the organisation the power to lodge applications with supporting documentation directly to the decision making authority without referral to the State Heritage Office.

A heritage impact statement prepared by an appropriately qualified heritage professional shall be lodged with any planning, building, demolition or other application affecting the properties. An archival record prepared by an appropriately qualified heritage professional will also be required prior to works proceeding. Documents will be provided to the State Heritage Office for their information and records.

Lease Terms                

These places are available for lease either individually or as a group. Short or long term lease options and terms are negotiable subject to agreed valuations.

Planning Controls        

There are a number of relevant statutory controls and agencies, planning and management frameworks. The proponent is recommended to obtain independent advice on planning and statutory controls that may affect their proposal.

Form of proposal         

Proponents submitting an expression of interest are to include:

• full details of all parties involved in the expression of interest (name, address and contact details)
• preliminary scope of the proposal
• preliminary outline of a business plan if the proposal involves running a business
• amount of funds that would be available to invest in the building adaptation/conservation project and a statement of financial capacity to finance the works
• detail any previous experience of running such a business
• understanding of the importance of conservation of the heritage values of the place
• an indication of the desired lease terms

Proponents who wish to express an interest in sole residential use with no business model:

• full details of all parties involved in the expression of interest (name, address and contact details)
• amount of funds that would be available to invest in the building adaptation/conservation project and a statement of financial capacity to finance the works
• preliminary scope of the proposal
• understanding of the importance of conservation of the heritage values of the place
• an indication of the desired lease terms

Enquiries and submissions     

Assessment of expressions of interest will be ongoing from March 2017 until all lease options have been accepted

Enquiries should be directed to:

Kelly Rippingale

National Trust of Western Australia

4 Havelock St

WEST PERTH WA 6005

08 9321 6088

kelly.rippingale@ntwa.com.au

Is there a guiding management policy for the heritage place(s)?

The proponent is required to work with the National Trust to prepare an updated Conservation and Management Plan either before works commence or on completion of any works to the place as agreed. Some places have individual conservation and management plans prepared and some do not yet have an individual conservation plan. The ‘Historic Greenough District Conservation Masterplan’, prepared by Palassis Architects for National Trust of Australia (WA), 1995. Vol 1 & 2 provides overarching management policy for Greenough.

What would the National Trust commit to the project?

The fundamental priorities of the National Trust are to have watertight, secure and structurally sound heritage buildings stabilised for the future. Any lessee will be expected to fund agreed capital improvements as pre-payment of an agreed rental value.

The National Trust does not have cash funds to contribute to conservation of the fabric. It is however eligible to seek grant funding towards non-commercial aspects of a project, including but not limited to interpretation and education components.

The Trust has recently received a Midwest Regional Development Commission Royalties for Regions grant to fund a one year skills training program with the Greenough Regional Prison for stone conservation works to heritage places in the area. Such initiatives have the potential to also support future works to these heritage places.

Can I use my own architect?

As each of these places is included on the State Register of Heritage Places, services of an appropriately experienced architect are required.  If the proposed architect does not have sufficient heritage experience, a heritage consultant will need to be part of the project team.

The National Trust has an in house team of conservation architects with extensive conservation experience and a proven track record of successful adaptive reuse projects. The team is available on a fee for service basis at competitive rates.

All endorsed proposals are to be developed with a team that includes professional conservation architects and any other required specialist architectural, environmental, engineering, fitout, or cost consultants.

The project team should prepare a detailed policy guideline for any adaptive reuse proposal as part of the approvals process. Potential procurement models include:

• National Trust architects undertake all architectural and project management services for the needs of the project including design, documentation, consultant management and heritage impact assessment;
• works are documented and contract administered by National Trust architects with fit out by others; or
• National Trust architects act as heritage advisors to nominated project architects.

Can I use my own builder?

Any proposed registered builder is required to have a proven history of experience working with heritage places, demonstrating sensitivity for heritage values and fabric. The National Trust will prepare evaluation criteria for consideration of builders prior to any tenders or help assess suitability of any builder.

Are there drawings available?

Measured drawings specific to each place, as listed in the table above can be requested from the National Trust in AutoCAD dwg format. We recommend all dimensions are confirmed on site.

How can I view the sites?

Please contact the National Trust to make arrangements for access to these places.

What is the deadline for submissions?

Expressions of interest will remain open until all leases have been secured.  Assessment of submissions will commence early March 2017 and be considered on merit from this date.