Read about the steps to date and find out the upcoming processes for the Edward Millen Adaptive Heritage and Landscape Redevelopment.
Why a redevelopment?
Since its transfer to the Town in 2006, Council has sought to identify appropriate uses for the Edward Millen Precinct which would facilitate its greater use as well as achieve a balance between the potential benefits of redevelopment with its associated financial cost.
The implementation of the Edward Millen Adaptive Heritage and Landscape Redevelopment is critical to the revitalisation of the area as it catalyses and supports adaptive reuse development of the historic Edward Millen Reserve and heritage buildings. Through the redevelopment, the Town has identified key economic, environment, social and community benefits - matched to its Strategic Community Plan - for Town residents and all Western Australians.
The redevelopment process
The Ed Millen Adaptive Heritage and Landscape Redevelopment project is proposed to be delivered in two components, which are:
- Heritage Restoration Works and Adaptive Re-use (Ground Lease Area)
- Landscape Redevelopment Works (Remaining Reserve Area)
In 2011, the Town worked with the community and key stakeholders to develop an overarching vision for the Edward Millen site:
"The Edward Millen site shall be a forward thinking, active, vivacious, and community driven facility that combines commercial uses to ensure economic viability."
Since then, the Town has conducted a thorough and engaging redevelopment process, as summarised below:
- December 2017 - The Town sought to examine a range of possible uses along with community expectations through an Open House engagement event, as well as additional online surveys. The overall support from the community was for the activation and/or restoration of the Ed Millen Reserve; with entertainment and recreation having the highest proportion of mentions from voters. Read the community engagement report here.
- 2017 - The findings of the engagement process led to an application to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage to amend the conditions of tenure that limit the use of the site from “community, recreation or civic purposes” to” Community, Entertainment and Recreation, Educational, Civic, Heritage, Cultural and Creative, and or Small Scale Production purposes. The application for change of land use was approved.
- 2018 - Project Feasibility Study for Ed Millen Heritage Precinct completed and identified by Council as the Town’s #1 priority strategic project. Read the feasibility study here.
- 2019 - The Town partnered with the community to develop a master plan for the Edward Millen precinct and approved a business case for redevelopment of Edward Millen Home and adjacent buildings. Edward Millen Park Masterplan draft for consultation and Council approval.
- 2020 - Edward Millen Park Masterplan adopted by Council to provide a vision for the Precinct. Expression of Interest released seeking external private partner for a ground lease of the Edward Millen buildings.
- July 2021 - Council approves the $7.5m cost option for Edward Millen Reserve redevelopment to accompany the adaptive re-use. Funding is being sought from the State Government via the Lotterywest grant.
- August 2021 - Blackoak Capital Ventures and Argent Ventures commercial ground lease offer accepted by Council.
- February 2023 - Development application for the demolition of the Hillview Clinic building advertised for community comment. Learn more here.
- August 2023 - Council endorsement of lease agreement with Blackoak Capital Ventures.
Redevelopment funding
The Town has been successful in maintaining ongoing community and State and Federal Government’s interests in the future for the Edward Millen Heritage Precinct. Funds have been secured through various private and public arrangements - the first of its kind for the Town’s strategic projects.
Funding arrangements to date include:
- Australian Government grant (heritage restoration works) - $4,000,000
- Town of Victoria Park - $2,600,000.
- Blackoak Capital Ventures Pty Ltd - $2,000,000 (up front contribution in lieu of rent for the first 20 year term).
What's next
With the final plan to upgrade the park successfully endorsed and the Blackoak lease agreement secured, the Town can now set its sights towards construction, with works on the park set to commence in early 2024 and the heritage restoration of the buildings due to begin in mid-2024.
Blackoak’s final redevelopment plans will be available for community comment in late 2023 when their development application is advertised.