A former Victorian quarry could be transformed as Manningham Council seeks to find new ways to fund the increasing costs of services.
The council is investigating developing the former Doncaster Quarry site on Blackburn Rd in Doncaster East under its Strategic Property Portfolio initiative.
“We regularly hear from residents about the challenges they’re facing due to the increasing cost of living, and this is always at the front of our minds,” Manningham mayor Carli Lange said,
“This project is a measured way of ensuring we’re financially sustainable by exploring other revenue opportunities to ensure we are delivering the best for our community.”
Previously, Manningham Council had endorsed a “market-sounding” process for two sites to determine their best use. The former quarry is the first site to undergo the council’s SPP initiative.
According to the council, the SPP enables it to have an “alternative income stream”, which would allow the council to be financially sustainable.
The “market sounding” process from the council received a “highly positive” response from developers who want to reform the former quarry, which has led to the creation of an EOI process. A summary of the proposals from the EOI process will be provided to councillors.
“Interested parties will also have the option of incorporating the larger Manningham Depot-Quarry precinct,” Lange said.
“This will expand our options to find the best use for the land, ensuring continued service delivery through a well-planned and beneficial development for our community.
“We’re optimistic that this opportunity will not only provide funding to benefit services and infrastructure, but also flow on to enhance economic growth and improve infrastructure, paving the way for a brighter future for our community.”
Expressions of interest in the development will close on May 1 at 11 am.
