April Business Case. Mackay City Centre Public Realm Improvement. Heather Norris Norris Consulting Services

Transcription

1 April 2013 Business Case Mackay City Centre Public Realm Improvement Heather Norris Norris Consulting Services

2 Business Case Mackay City Centre Public Realm Improvement Background Mackay City Centre is the central business district (CBD) for the fast growing Mackay Isaac and Whitsunday (MIW) region. It is the focal point for business, administration, community, hospitality and retail services. For residents and visitors, it s the place which symbolises the centre of the region. Existing public realm elements were established within the Mackay City Centre in the early 1990's and over time have become worn and tired. Therefore upgrades to these ageing elements within the public realm are needed to ensure the Mackay City Centre offers the MIW region the benefits of a vibrant and prosperous centre. The function and fabric of the City Centre streetscapes and public places should complement and facilitate business activity, while reflecting the character, appeal and confidence, evident in the region. As a strategy to target improvements within the public realm, Mackay Regional Council (MRC) developed a Public Realm Concept (PRC), in consultation with the community. The PRC document offers a conceptual design framework that seeks to inform government investment and grant funding initiatives. The design framework promotes a kit of parts approach, identifying footpath treatments and build-outs, street furniture, lighting, signage and landscaping elements. These elements work together to allow public realm works to be fitted together in line with available funding that builds toward an overall, integrated outcome for the Mackay City Centre. The Public Realm Concept highlights a need to reinforce the central core of the City Centre around the key intersection of Wood and Victoria Streets. Public consultation associated with the Public Realm Concept prioritised support for this catalyst project work in the City Core. Consultation and Communication The Public Realm Concept was prepared in parallel to the Mackay City Centre Strategy and Local Area Plan through the Enquiry by Design (EbD) process commencing in In December 2011, MRC approved the draft PRC document for formal community engagement, from January 16 through to February 17, During the formal consultation the document was available to the public on the Mackay City Centre website, attracting over 7,000 visitors and also on Connecting Mackay (attracting 1,084 visitors) where the community were able to have their say and participate in a structured poll. Forty seven (47) detailed written responses were received, and of these 73% were positive. Of 245 poll responses received, 90% considered revamping the City Centre public spaces and streetscapes to be important or highly important. Streetscaping work within the City Core at the intersection of Wood and Victoria Streets was voted as the most important project. 1

3 Project Description This Mackay City Centre Public Realm Improvement catalyst project (the project) creates a quality public realm in the City Core that is reflective of the tropical climate and the city s aspirations as a major regional centre in northern Australia. Replacing aged infrastructure with quality streetscape treatments including: Contemporary decorative pavements; Arboricultural and streetscape works; New street furniture, water fountains, recycling bins bicycle racks and shade structures; Street and landscape lighting; and Interactive signage and artwork. The project involves the refurbishment of the historic Pioneer Shire Council Building (Wood Street) making the heritage building structurally sound and providing public green space within the grounds for permanent and ephemeral place making activities. Communication and Engagement A key aspect of the project will be engagement and communication with public and local businesses to minimise the impacts of the project. Disruptions will be mitigated wherever possible to allow businesses and their customers to appropriately plan for, and continue with, normal trade. An overarching Engagement Plan will be developed on completion of the detailed design for the project. This plan will provide for communication between all stakeholders of the project to ensure that business interruption is minimised within project and other constraints such as adverse conditions. In addition, the City Centre Taskforce is convened to advise Council on the Public Realm Improvement including engagement with city businesses in the design phase and during the construction and implementation phase of the improvement works. The taskforce comprises two councillors, the Chair of the Mackay Chamber of Commerce, Manager of the largest hotel within the CBD and the owner of a nationally recognised local restaurant, a good cross section of City Centre businesses. Rationale for the Project In developing a new Planning Scheme for the Mackay Regional Council area, Council has conducted a number of Local Area Plans to inform the planning scheme. Appendix 2 details the planning process undertaken in relation to the Mackay City Centre and is summarised in Figure 1 detailing the many components of the planning process that commenced in Council has completed Phases 1-3 of the Mackay City Centre local area planning process and is now undertaking Phase 4 activities as part of the draft Mackay Region Planning Scheme consultation. The development of this project concept is the result of over 10 years of strategic planning for Mackay City Centre which commenced with the former Mackay City Council and has been continued and enhanced by the Mackay Regional Council. 2

4 Figure 1: Planning Process Recent developments within the City Centre have brought the need for the Public Realm Improvement to the forefront. One notable development includes the completion of the $230 million redevelopment of Caneland Central shopping centre by Lend Lease in The expansion effectively doubled the size of the shopping centre which now includes a Myer department store, 230 specialty stores and outdoor dining facing the Pioneer River. Caneland Central is recognised as a major retail area of the City Centre and the MIW region. The MIW region is one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland. This regional growth needs to be supported with a vibrant business centre that supports the supply chains and global connections that contribute to this regional growth. Mackay City Centre needs to strengthen and maintain its role as the principal centre of the rapidly growing MIW region. Much of the recent investment in Mackay City has been on the fringes of the City Centre including: Caneland Central shopping centre Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre Mackay Showground redevelopment (Funded through RDAF Round 2) Bluewater Quay Bluewater Lagoon Bluewater Trail This Public Realm Improvement project focuses on the City Core area which is the centre of the business and commercial district of the City Centre. This will ensure that the City Centre, particularly the City Core does not experience a significant decline in activity as seen in other regional centres, therefore avoiding the need for extensive revitalisation over many years to restore the function and purpose of the City Centre. This project is about mitigating that risk and transforming the Mackay City Centre into a high quality public realm 3

5 environment that is reflective of the climate and its aspirations as a major regional centre in northern Australia. The function of the City Core will continue to accommodate commercial activities (business, government and commercial services) with supporting hospitality services, small boutique retail outlets and short term accommodation. The City Core will be further supported by higher density residential uses fronting the Pioneer River. The longer term strategy is to strengthen the linkage between the City Core and Caneland Central as a pedestrian orientated boulevard along Victoria Street. This fits the strategy to make the Mackay City Centre pedestrian and cycle friendly. It is important to develop this longer term strategy as Mackay grows and matures into a major regional city. Victoria Street is the traditional main Street of Mackay. The Mackay City Centre Strategy further reinforces this through built form and public realm outcomes, making the street comfortable and enjoyable for residents and visitors. Key linkages, including Victoria Street, link the activity and amenity nodes through a number of initiatives to achieve a more unified and connected City Centre. The City Core project is a fundamental part of this process and is identified as the catalyst project that kick starts the realisation of the key linkages strategy. Key links within the city centre include: Victoria Street from Sydney Street to Caneland Central; Nelson Street from Civic Centre to Pioneer River; Alfred Street from Mackay showground to Queens Park; Sydney and Wood Streets from Central Queensland TAFE campus to Pioneer River via the City Core; and Pioneer River riverfront from Bluewater Quay to Caneland Central via the Bluewater Trail. 4

6 Key Economic Indicators The Regional Roadmap 1 produced by RDA Mackay Whitsunday 2012/13 edition provides the following economic indicators for the MIW region; Generated $17b in Gross Regional Product Contributed 6.6% of Gross State Product Produced 103 megatonnes of saleable coal Over 1.3 million tourists visit the region annually Had $94b in investment projects on its Regional Development Register Enjoyed an unemployment rate of just 4% Has one of the fastest growing populations in Queensland. A recent study of Gross Regional Product (GRP) by the Queensland Government 2, showed that Mackay was the fastest growing region of Queensland between and with average annual growth of 13.7 per cent nominal Gross Regional Product. Its nominal GRP in of $22.8b is third in the state behind Brisbane ($129b) and Gold Coast ($25b). The MIW region recorded the second highest real GRP per capita of $133,143 behind North West ($186,503) and ahead of Brisbane ($63,632) and all other regions. This is twice the average real GRP per capita for the state of Queensland of $60,318 and the Australian average of $63,531. A Regional City The Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regional Plan (MIWRP) recognises Mackay City Centre as the dominant centre in the region that will continue to provide high order services to support the region s growth 3. The MIWRP acknowledges the role that the Mackay City Centre provides as the hub for business, administration, retail, hospitality and entertainment activities. The focus for the Mackay City Centre is to maintain and strengthen its role as a principal centre of the growing region, while maintaining and enhancing its distinct, diverse, attractive and sustainable urban environment for people to live, work and play. It is crucial that the Mackay City Centre continues to be an attractive, vibrant and prosperous centre that presents well as a suitable location for regional offices of government and large corporations active in the various industries in the MIW region including resources, construction, agriculture and tourism. Attracting regional offices to the City Centre provides regional benefits in employment and local procurement. The MIW region relies on the Mackay City Centre to fulfil this purpose for the benefit of the entire region. An Active and Liveable City Centre This project will provide for, and contribute towards, greater activity and liveability for the Mackay City Centre. The project will provide a streetscape that promotes pedestrian movement, comfort and interest within the City Core increasing the liveability of the City Centre. The refurbishment of the grounds surrounding the historic Pioneer Shire Building will provide a much needed public green space within the City Core for permanent and ephemeral activities. Such activities can include events to welcome new 1 Regional Roadmap Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday, Regional Development Australia Mackay Whitsunday Edition 2012/13. 2 Experimental Estimates of Gross Regional Product , and , Queensland Treasury and Trade march Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regional Plan: Planning for a resilient, vibrant and sustainable community. Queensland Government February

7 residents, Active in the City events, City Centre festivals, playgroups, youth groups/activities, corporate events associated with the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre and regular markets. This new green space will also support the recently completed Headspace facility in Wood Street. Wood Street between Victoria and River Streets lacks a recognisable identity unlike other parts of the City Core that are recognised as outdoor dining, entertainment or retail precincts. Developing much needed public green space at the Pioneer Shire Building will begin to establish an identity for Wood Street as an active and liveable community space in the centre of the City Core that supports and complements the key linkage between the City Core and the Pioneer River. The project will also increase visitor activity in the City Centre as it becomes more attractive, comfortable and memorable. Over one third of tourists to Mackay are business tourists that stay in hotels and other short term accommodation within the City Centre where most business and convention activities are conducted. Leisure and visitor (friends and relatives) tourists will also visit the City Centre generally and the more favourable the impression, the more likely they are to stay longer and conduct repeat visits. People tend to form an impression of a City Centre based on its look and feel that implies prosperity within a vibrant, attractive and comfortable urban environment. Potential City Centre and regional employees will generally visit the City Centre during their visit and a favourable impression could make the difference in deciding to relocate to the MIW region. The liveability audit conducted by REDC 4 in 2009 found that a significant proportion of MIW residents moved to the region for employment. A Culturally Vibrant City Centre The project complements the rich cultural environment by providing a usable urban space within the City Core streetscape and Pioneer Shire Building. The project provides opportunities to increase participation by the regional community in a wide variety of events and festivals celebrating the region s multicultural diversity and artistic talent. The refurbishment of the pavements including increased width in strategic locations will support street displays of local arts and crafts. Streetscapes and public art will celebrate and showcase the multicultural nature of the region such as South Sea Islander and Maltese communities. An Attractive City Centre The project will be the catalyst for improvements in the streetscape and refurbishment of heritage buildings that are in line with the Mackay City Centre Strategy. Improved streetscapes and lighting will further showcase the existing Art Deco heritage facades that characterise the unique built form of the City Centre. Many of the heritage Art Deco buildings are within the project area or the immediate fringes of the project area. The refurbishment of the Pioneer Shire Building exemplifies the strong heritage values of the City which is central to the project. The streetscape improvements will enhance the image of the heritage facades, reinforcing the sense of civic pride in Mackay s built heritage. A Sustainable City The project includes sustainable elements such as pavement treatments requiring less maintenance and landscaping elements more suited to the local environment. Council has developed a Centres Strategy 5 that encourages the development of centres that contain a mix of various uses that are safe, highly accessible, and vibrant and visually appealing. This will work hand in hand with other Council strategies 4 Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Liveability Audit Report, Mackay Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation, Centres Strategy, Mackay Regional Council, 2013 (soon to be released). Based on supporting documents produced by Macroplan Australia Pty Ltd, foresight Partners Pty Ltd and Mackay Regional Council. 6

8 such as the Residential Densities Strategy and transport initiatives to achieve a more sustainable urban form. The project supports the goal of achieving a compact and sustainable urban environment within the City Centre. Street improvements and the Pioneer Shire Building refurbishment (increasing the liveability and activity of the City Core) underpin the high densification of commercial, residential and short term accommodation uses. Above all else, this project supports the economic sustainability of the entire region by providing a City Centre that continues to attract and retain businesses that support and grow the region s economy. A River City Past developments in the City Centre have not taken advantage of the high amenity provided by the Pioneer River, one of a small number of blue water rivers in Australia. This project will help to draw the focus back towards the Pioneer River, particularly with the Wood Street streetscape refurbishment between Victoria and River Streets. This includes the Pioneer Shire Building and grounds which will gradually draw community focus towards the Pioneer River. The Bluewater Trail is a key component of Mackay Regional Council s Bluewater Activation Strategy. The trail provides community well being recreational opportunities and mixed use green space areas. The trail has been a collaborative project with funding assistance from the Queensland Government and Australian Government. The project looks to link the City Core with the Bluewater Trail and associated amenity nodes along the Pioneer River through the streetscape improvements. In 2010 and 2011, the Trail has been recognised in a number of awards including Queensland Spinal Injuries Association, National Heart Foundation Local Government Awards and was named National overall winner, Planning for Active Living. 7

9 Cost/Benefit Analysis Costs Total cost for the Activity is $18,650,372 with funding contributions from the following sources: Source Amount Comment City Centre Funds $804,030 Levy contributed by City Centre businesses Other Council Funds $8,021,156 Cash contribution Property Value (in Kind) $1,000,000 Pioneer Shire Council Building lot RDAF application $8,825,186 47% of total project cost Total $18,650,372 Maintenance It is forecast that existing funding sources (MRC s rate revenues) shall continue to fund the operations and management of the assets identified in the Asset Management Plan. Ongoing maintenance costs are in the order of current costs with initial reductions in some areas due to new assets offset by increases in areas such as landscaping. Benefits The benefits of this project are both tangible in that they can be measured and quantified, and intangible benefits that cannot be measured. Tangible Benefits The following table summarises the tangible benefits over the 10 year period from 2013 to The table shows the base figure used for calculations. No allowance has been made for any inflation on that base figure as that would be pure supposition. Whilst the benefits will continue beyond 2023, this serves to represent the minimal tangible benefits from this project. A detailed estimate of tangible benefits is provided in Appendix 1. Benefit Value to 2023 Base value Range Increased employment $27.14m Current city centre employment of 14,255 (2011) 1 Employment increasing from 0.1% up to 1% attributable to the activity, equates to over 140 FTE Employment during construction $3.45m average wage Mackay City Pt A SLA of $53, years of design/construction with workforce of 20 each year, 65 FTE in total. Landlord and business investment in existing buildings New investment attracted to the City Core and surrounds $6.68m $57.22m Anecdotal evidence of upgrade/fit out costs in Mackay City Centre Building approval to Dec 2012 Mackay SA2 of $124m 3 Whilst SA2 construction value used as the base, it is recognised that flow on construction activity will occur in other parts of Mackay City and the MIW region. Increased tourism spend $17.40m Total tourism spend YE June 2011 in MIW region of $370m 4 Total Tangible Benefits $111.89m 1 Mackay City centre Strategy, Mackay Regional Council, April Australian Bureau of Statistics, Estimates of Personal Income for Small Areas, to , cat. no Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building approvals, Australia, December 2012, cat. No Regional Tourism Profiles, Tourism research Australia, Canberra, Australian Government. Up to 30 buildings (with multiple premises) upgrade from $150,000 to $250,000 Increased investment from 1 % in 2017 up to 10% in 2023 reflecting lead time between the project and resultant increased investment. Increase from 0.1% to 1 % from 2017 to

10 A recent study in America found that spending on public infrastructure (primarily roads in this instance) delivers short run benefits roughly double the initial spending in ultimate economic output. Long run benefits can extend to three or more times the initial spending 6. A study conducted in Asheville, North Carolina, USA, the establishment of a Business Improvement District including work of a similar nature to that proposed in this project, resulted in average annual growth in retail sales of 5.3% above normal growth rates, and property values increasing an additional 7 2% annually. Intangible benefits These benefits are difficult to provide any financial estimates as they are highly variable, and impacted by other factors. They are, however, real benefits of the project that help to support the case. Some of the benefits such as increased turnover will be offset to some extent by some disruption to trade during construction activity, however over the longer term it is anticipated that there would be a significant overall benefit. Increased turnover Increased commercial rental Increased retail rental Increased public safety through implementation of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles Increased Property Values Community pride Increased local purchasing from regional businesses from location of regional headquarters of larger corporate organisations Increased development interest for commercial, residential and short term accommodation activities across the City Centre In particular the redevelopment on the site of the Pioneer Shire Council Building will provide benefits in: Social inclusion Social wellbeing Increased volunteer activities for place making, welcome and other community events (additional volunteers). 6 The Economic Impact and Financing of Infrastructure Spending, The College of William & Mary, Thomas Jefferson Program in Public Policy, Prepared for associated Equipment Distributors (AED), Inyhuck, S. H. An Economic Benefit Study to Establish and Asheville Downtown Business Improvement District, Western Carolina University,

11 Outcomes Despite being buffered by a strong local economy, Mackay City Centre faces significant infrastructure challenges to offer street and public domain enhancement expected in a modern City Centre catering for a significant region. In order to sustain economic growth, a strong, diversified and resilient economic base must be maintained. If the MIW region is to attain its potential and continue to be an economic powerhouse, greater social infrastructure to maintain the region s enviable lifestyle and ensure social wellbeing for our communities, is critical. The City Core s Public Realm centred on the intersection of Wood and Victoria Streets, is currently home to an array of contrasting urban furniture, artwork and planting. Whilst these components each have their merits individually, as a collection they create a cluttered streetscape showing signs of age. Importantly, many key buildings including art deco buildings with heritage values exist in this area. This project will rejuvenate the City Core s public realm and improve visitor quality and experience so that it can attract and support the widest range of activities possible in encouraging community involvement as well as new investment potential. The project also aims to: Facilitate a populated City Centre that continues to draw and support a strong residential base by offering an urban setting which attracts and enhances city living; Promote and develop local and regional business and employment opportunities and encourage diversity to promote the economic sustainability of the city; Embrace and celebrate the Pioneer River as part of the history and future of the city, as a source of great amenity and attraction; Facilitate an accessible centre offering safe and convenient movement of people and goods in a pedestrian-orientated environment; Provide an attractive City Centre distinguished by the quality of its built environment, and open spaces strengthening the City Centre s unique appearance and setting; Promote a heritage proud Centre utilising its special heritage character in the form of buildings and landscapes. Efficient Project Delivery Mitigating and minimising disruption to business during the construction phase is deemed a key process and outcome of this project. A full program of engagement and communication with local business owners will be ongoing during all phases of the project. This feedback will inform the implementation processes to ensure project delivery fits best around business operations. Stakeholder engagement and communication is a critical success factor of this project. The efficiency of the project delivery will provide savings to Council and businesses and will contribute to the overall success of the project. 10

12 This project will support outcomes in the following government programs: Australian Government Program/policy Description Support Headspace National youth mental health foundation Mackay Headspace centre opened 3/4/2013 is in the project area and directly opposite proposed new green space in the grounds of the Pioneer Shire Council Building. Active after-school Communities Program Queensland Government AASC is an Australian Government initiative that provides primary school children with access to free sport and other structured physical activity programs after school Program/policy Description Support Active Towns Pilot Program Local Government Mackay is one of three cities selected to participate in this pilot program which includes delivery of new walking and cycling infrastructure and education programs to increase walking and cycling in the region. Project will improve pavements for pedestrians and provide cycle racks and water fountains. Program/policy Description Support Welcome Centre Centre to welcome new arrivals to the city and help them integrate into the community Welcome Centre in Sydney Street is on the fringe of the City Core. Green space in Wood Street could be utilised for welcome activities. Active in the City Place making Tourism Promotion Fun and free activities in the Mackay City Centre Council supports Mackay Tourism Limited to promote the Mackay Region as a tourism destination Green space in Wood Street could be utilised for activities. Upgraded footpaths, cycle racks, water fountains and improved signage will promote active transportation methods of walking and cycling. All aspects of this project contribute to place making activities and building community pride. The Public Realm Improvements will create positive images that reflect the heritage and character of Mackay City for use in promotional material. 11

13 Review Progress against Outcomes Investment Prospectus Council will commission an investment prospectus, similar to the one recently completed by the Regional Economic Development Corporation to attract investment in hotels and other accommodation 8 The prospectus will target investment into commercial and accommodation projects, using elements of the City Centre Strategy and Urban Design Principles to attract innovative investment that will preserve heritage values whilst delivering quality commercial and accommodation buildings 9. In addition it will seek to attract cultural and recreational projects to further enhance the regional lifestyle. Post Implementation Review Council will conduct a post implementation review of the project including a study of the economic and social benefits of the City Centre revitalisation in early 2018 (two years after completion). A similar study was completed by council in 2012 as both a post implementation review and assessment of the benefits of the Bluewater Lagoon 10 which was jointly funded by Federal, State and Local governments. This review will assess all aspects of the project process including efficient project delivery. Stakeholder interviews and surveys will be included as appropriate. Other key project aspects such as the communication and engagement plans will also be assessed in the review, as they will be a key component of the project process. 8 Mackay Hotel Investment Prospectus, Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDC) April Mackay City Centre Strategy and Urban Design Principles, Mackay Regional Council, due for release in April Post Implementation Review of the Bluewater Lagoon including Economic and Social Benefits, Norris Consulting Services, February

14 References Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals, Australia, ABS Cat. No December 2012, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Estimated Resident Population, ABS Cat. No Regional Population Growth, Australian Bureau of Statistics Estimates of Personal Income for Small Areas, to , ABS Cat. No Australian Government 2010/11 Regional Tourism Profiles, Tourism Research Australia, Canberra. Inyhuck, S. H. An Economic Benefit Study to Establish and Asheville Downtown Business Improvement District, Western Carolina University, 2012 Mackay Regional Council, Centres Strategy, 2013 (soon to be released for consultation). Based on supporting documents produced by Macroplan Australia Pty Ltd, foresight Partners Pty Ltd and Mackay Regional Council. Mackay Regional Council, Mackay City Centre Strategy and Urban Design Principles, due for release in April Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDC), Mackay Hotel Investment Prospectus, April Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDC), Regional Economic Profile, March Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDC), Regional Development Register, June Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDC), Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Liveability Audit Report, Norris Consulting Services, Post Implementation Review of the Bluewater Lagoon including Economic and Social Benefits, February Queensland Government, Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regional Plan: Planning for a resilient, vibrant and sustainable community, February Queensland Treasury and Trade, Experimental Estimates of Gross Regional Product , and , March Regional Development Australia Mackay Isaac Whitsunday, Regional Roadmap Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday, Edition 2012/13. The College of William & Mary, Thomas Jefferson Program in Public Policy, The Economic Impact and Financing of Infrastructure Spending, Prepared for Associated Equipment Distributors (AED),

15 Appendix 1: Detailed Cost Benefit Analysis Benefit Total $million Increased employment in $0.75 $1.5 $2.26 $3.77 $5.28 $6.03 $7.55 $27.14 the CBD Employment during $0.27 $1.06 $1.06 $1.06 $ 3.45 construction Building refurbishment $0.3 $0.88 $2.0 $2.25 $1.25 $ 6.68 Building Construction $1.24 $6.22 $7.46 $8.71 $9.95 $11.2 $12.44 $57.22 Tourism expenditure $0.37 $1.85 $2.41 $2.78 $2.96 $3.33 $3.7 $17.40 Total $0.27 $1.06 $1.06 $1.36 $3.24 $11.57 $14.38 $16.51 $18.19 $20.56 $23.69 $ Summary of tangible benefits Benefit Value to 2023 Base value Range Increased employment $27.14m Current city centre employment of 14,255 (2011) 1 Employment increasing from 0.1% up to 1% attributable to the activity. Equates to over 140 FTE Employment during construction $3.45m average wage Mackay city Pt A SLA of $53, years of design/construction with workforce of 20 each year, total 65 FTE. Landlord and business investment in $6.68m Anecdotal evidence of upgrade/fit out costs in Mackay Up to 30 buildings (with multiple premises) existing buildings New investment attracted to the City Core and surrounds City Centre $57.22m Building approval to Dec 2012 Mackay SA2 of $124m 3 Whilst SA2 construction value used as the base, it is recognised that flow on construction activity will occur in other parts of Mackay City and the MIW region. upgrade from $150,000 to $250,000 Increased investment from 1 % in 2017 up to 10% in 2023 reflecting lead time between upgrade and resultant increased investment. Increased tourism spend $17.4m Total tourism spend YE June 2011in MIW region of Increase from 0.1% to 1 % from 2017 to $370m 4 Total Tangible Benefits $111.89m 1 Mackay City centre Strategy, Mackay Regional Council, April Australian Bureau of Statistics, Estimates of Personal Income for Small Areas, to , cat. no Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building approvals, Australia, December 2012, cat. No Regional Tourism Profiles, Tourism research Australia, Canberra, Australian Government. 14

16 Appendix 2: Strategic Planning for the Mackay City Centre Vision Mackay City Centre to be the destination of choice for people of all ages to live, work and recreate in a vibrant, diverse environment based on the city s unique mix of physical and cultural experiences. A walkable city that embraces its climate and its heritage a city that is a place to live, learn, work and play. City Principles Guiding the City s progress towards achieving the Vision a number of Principles have been established: Mixed Use (Maximise Diversity) Design for walkable neighbourhoods Provide priority for pedestrians and cyclists Create high quality places for people Quality outcomes in built form and architecture Plan for a diverse Mackay community City Centre Local Area Plan The Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday (MIW) region has sustained strong population growth in recent times, particularly since High population growth is expected to continue into the foreseeable future, with a projected population for the MIW region of close to 300,000 by In order to accommodate the high predicted population growth and to better balance and consolidate Mackay s urban form, the City Centre will play an important part in achieving a more sustainable, consolidated and compact urban form through a highly diverse mix of uses and activities including higher residential densities. Council is working towards a Local Plan for the Mackay City Centre that will contribute towards achieving a City Centre that is diverse, vibrant and dynamic where residents and visitors alike can live, work and play. The City Centre fulfils a range of equally important roles and functions such as: a social place where people meet and interact, and exchange goods, services and ideas; a cultural place where art, history and lifestyle generate interest, delight and learning; a living place where people eat, live and sleep; a place of commerce where people work, innovate, learn and invest; and a recreation place for living, relaxing, enjoying and entertaining. The main objective of the Local Plan is to ensure that the Mackay City Centre is maintained and strengthened, not only as the principal activity centre of a growing region, but also as a major regional city in northern Australia, ensuring it is a distinctive, diverse, attractive and sustainable urban environment. The Local Plan incorporates planning objectives and strategies that are practical and flexible to allow and encourage a broad mix of development to achieve this vision, whilst ensuring good urban design outcomes. It builds upon the current planning provisions and controls, with the aim of achieving increased investment, city liveability, high quality urban design outcomes and good development outcomes. 15

17 City Centre Strategy Towards a Local Plan for the City Centre Work is underway on the preparation of the City Centre Strategy document. This document builds on the outcomes of an Enquiry by Design workshop and sets out emerging policy, principles, outcomes and direction for future urban development and urban design outcomes in the City Centre. The document will demonstrate outcomes graphically whilst also articulating principles, strategies and purpose for various elements of the city. City Centre Public Realm Concept Plan The City Centre Public Realm Concept is a strategic document offering a conceptual design framework for public areas within the City Centre and fits in with the urban design principles key strategies canvassed in the City Centre Strategy. The Public Realm Concept suggests a number of ready-to-go catalyst projects as the initial building blocks to achieving the City Centre vision. These projects combine to ensure that Mackay moves towards an active, liveable, accessible, culturally vibrant and attractive City Centre. A key role for this project is to attract funding for public realm improvements. Improving the public places and streetscapes within the Mackay City Centre offers our community the benefits of a modern CBD, while ensuring the physical environment keeps pace with business activity and community needs and aspirations. Local Area Plan Project History Council commenced the Mackay City Centre Local Area Plan study in September The diagram below depicts the phases of the Mackay City Centre Local Area Plan project. The project team commenced with an appreciation of key issues and opportunities in the City Centre. From this exercise a Background Report was produced. The background information within the report provided a basis for thought and discussions during the lead up to the Enquiry by Design (EbD) planning workshop, which ultimately informed this workshop. The Background Report reflects 16

18 on where the city has come from, its influences (physical, environmental, economic and social), and how the city should be shaped into the future. The report details: the history of both revitalisation efforts and settlement pattern; reviews recent reports and investigations; highlights key issues and ideas; provides a city analysis that considers a broad range of issues and themes in terms of scale, heritage and character, access and circulation, views and gateways, infrastructure, and city structure; identifies public realm enhancements; and considers some models for city form. Public consultation was undertaken on the Background Report, which included a Public Exhibition at the Old Town Hall in Sydney Street and the City Centre Sunday Markets. Several submissions were received during the community consultation period, particularly at the 3 day public exhibition. These comments informed the planning workshop. The workshop was held in March 2011, which involved a collaborative group of key government and community stakeholders to positively contribute and discuss the future planning needs, issues and options for the Mackay City Centre. Public sessions were held at the end of each day to allow community members to keep track of the workshop s progress and provide comment. 17