A NSW Government funded comprehensive study of the Bloomfield site has identified high value features that should be protected, acknowledged significant renewal is required and recognised an opportunity for further growth to enhance the precinct.
PRECINCT: The Bloomfield precinct aims to provide a range of housing options, including opportunities for affordable, social and market housing to foster quality living.
In short: A preliminary business case finds new development proposal for the Bloomfield precinct are viable.
Council will apply for funding for the next step of masterplanning.
What's next: If funding is successful, the master planning process will take approximately two years followed by a staged development across 20 years.
Orange City Council in partnership with the landowners secured funding from the NSW Government's Regional NSW - Business Case and Strategy Development program to develop a comprehensive business case and evaluate the Bloomfield Precinct potential.
The aim of the program is to develop projects which support economic and social benefits to regional communities with a focus on infrastructure. This process included targeted engagement with stakeholders, development of a bespoke heritage plan, detailed site assessments, and thorough financial and economic analyses. The outcome of the business case does not design how the site is developed but articulates the capability of the site.
The findings from the site analysis suggest that development is viable and recommends progressing to the next phase which involves the creation of a detailed masterplan.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said the site could support the reuse of heritage buildings, jobs creation, health expansion, greenspace and housing.
"The key is ensuring we get the balance right. That balance will be tested in the development of a masterplan. The next step is to secure funding for that process," Cr Mileto said.
"Council is not a landholder in the precinct but, given its importance to the community and the opportunity to enhance the use of the area, it is important we are involved. All the landholders out there could go and pursue their own goals and development paths, but it made sense to do it together. There is a unique opportunity to collaboratively design a heritage-focused development in partnership with landowners and the community."
The findings of the business case show a viable mixed-use development which expands on futureproofing for health services expansion plans, increasing amenities, attracting commercial tenants and increase housing supply.
If funding is identified the master planning process will take approximately two years followed by a staged development across 20 years.
"The Bloomfield precinct has a long history of delivering health services, accommodation and recreation. What we want to do now is focus on that legacy and the opportunities the business case has identified to deliver well planned development that supports health expansion and jobs growth," Cr Mileto said.
For more detail visit Bloomfield Precinct – Orange City Council (nsw.gov.au)
