By ERWIN CHLANDA
Chief Minister Adam Giles is looking for expressions of interest to build a commercial complex in Whittaker Street that may include a new railway station.
The block is on the western side of the Stuart Highway, opposite Harvey Norman and Repco.
He describes the land as “a prime block of new commercial land in the heart of Alice Springs” and the project “is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into Alice Springs, including a new railway station to bring tourists into the centre of town”.
“This early vision includes a hotel and tourism precinct, residential accommodation, restaurants, commercial and retail space and even a planetarium,” says Mr Giles.
“We are keen to hear what developers might be interested in this property and what ideas they have for this prime real estate.
“We have an open mind about the form this project could ultimately take, but it certainly presents a chance to transform a key site right in the heart of Alice and I look forward to seeing what options are proposed.
“The project is being led by the Territory Government but the parcel is made up of a combination of land owned by the Government and land owned by Genesee and Wyoming, along the rail corridor.
“We want to work in partnership with the private sector to try and get this project off the ground. By collaborating with the adjacent land owner, Genesee and Wyoming, the development potential of the site is greatly enhanced,” says Mr Giles.
Expressions of interest for this project open on Friday 12 December and are open “to both local and interstate developers with the capacity to deliver a project of this size”. The EOI will remain open for 10 weeks to allow time for the industry to respond.
Assessment of submissions will begin immediately after and will involve Genesee and Wyoming Australia, says Mr Giles.