The land bounded by Tuam, Madras, Lichfield and Barbadoes streets was bought earlier this year by the Council from Turners and Growers and is one of the last large central city blocks. It provides the opportunity for a comprehensive development.

The Central City Mayoral Forum was set up to look at ways of revitalising the central city, particularly the east side, through identifying residential and business opportunities, improving public amenity and finding ways for the public and private sector to work together.

The Council’s proposal for the 1.75ha block is for predominantly residential accommodation with about a third of the area becoming a park. However because the land is currently zoned Business 3 it will need to be rezoned to allow for this development. It is intended that the development be undertaken in partnership with the private sector.

Work is currently under way in preparing a Registration of Interest document for developers, which will be released early next year. Turners and Growers will lease the site for at least the next nine months.