Call for Expressions of Interest for Feasibility Study
Collingwood Arts Precinct
Arts Victoria is investigating potential uses of the former Northern Metropolitan College of TAFE (NMIT) site in Johnston Street Collingwood. Arts Victoria took over management responsibility for this site in mid-2010 when a portion of the site was allocated for the development of a new home for Circus Oz.
Arts Victoria is seeking submissions from not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations to contribute to a feasibility study that will explore how the currently derelict spaces could potentially become a multi-organisation arts precinct.
The study will consider potential design needs and operating models for the site. As this is a feasibility study only there is no guarantee that any project, beyond investigation, will go ahead.
At this stage only potential key tenants are being sought to participate in the study. Arts Victoria does not guarantee that the organisations selected for the feasibility study will be the preferred tenants in a final development, should it go ahead.
Expressions of Interest are due on Wednesday 8 February, using the following form:
Please note that:
- In any eventuality the site would not be ready for new tenants to begin fit out works before late 2014, at the earliest.
DESCRIPTION OF KEY TENANTS
Your organisation must:
- Be a not-for-profit arts, creative or cultural organisation
- Have time resources available to inform the feasibility study process (notionally 7 hours per fortnight, for 6 months to 1 year)
- Have spatial requirements that fit within limitations of the space as described below
- Be able to self-finance the fit out of a new space.
At this stage, Arts Victoria is not seeking submissions from individual artists.
THE SPACE
The spaces under consideration for this study are the 'Block F' and 'Block E' buildings (refer to attached site plan). Both buildings contain classroom style layouts.
The Block F building is visible and accessible from Johnston Street, and has approximately 2,500 m2 of floor space that could accommodate a number of arts organisations over four levels.
Block E is visible and accessible from Perry St and has approximately 2,100 m2 of floor space that could accommodate a number of arts organisations over three levels.
Download the Collingwood Site Drawings here:
CIRCUS OZ AT THE SITE
In the 2010-11 Victorian Budget funding was allocated for the design development of a new home for Circus Oz at the Collingwood site. This will be located on the southern side of the site, formerly 'Block C and Block D' (Refer to site drawings attached).
KEITH HARING MURAL
A Keith Haring mural is located on the eastern facing wall of Block F which is part of the site that will be considered in this feasibility study. The mural is on the State's Heritage Register and consequently, part of Block F and land to the east of the building is also included on the Heritage Register.
ASSESMENT CRITERIA
- A demonstrated ability to pay rent
- Spatial requirements that fit reasonably within the existing building envelope, and do not require significant structural change to existing buildings (i.e. ability to work within classroom style spaces)
- Compatibility with the Circus Oz development (site plan attached), and with other potential small scale commercial activities on site (e.g. cafes, commercial offices)
- The ability to attract visitors to the site
- The ability to offer public programming and opportunities to engage with the public on site.
- Ability to activate the site and present a public face to Johnston and Perry Streets
- A desire to collaborate with other organisations on site and willingness to share facilities, including open public space, where appropriate
- Ability to enhance your current business through new facilities.
- Recognised as a leader in your artform with strong links to the broader sector and arts practice in Victoria.
FEASIBILITY STUDY TIMELINE
Applications will be assessed by Arts Victoria's Committee of Management. This committee is made up of senior Arts Victoria staff is responsible for managing Arts Victoria's built assets.
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Arts Victoria calls for EOI to participate in study
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Wednesday 14 December
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Collingwood site visit for interested applicants
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Week beginning Monday 23 January*
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Responses to EOI due
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Wednesday 08 February
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Successful participants notified
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Friday 17 February*
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Feasibility study commences
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Week beginning Monday 27 February*
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Study presented to Government for consideration.
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End of 2012
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*Indicative date only. Please note that applicants may be requested to provide additional information during the assessment period.
THANK-YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST
All information on this page is available for download in a word document here:
For more information contact:
Christopher Dupé
Senior Manager
Capital Infrastructure
ARTS VICTORIA
Christopher.Dupe@dpc.vic.gov.au
Jessica Hochberg
Project Officer
Capital Infrastructure
ARTS VICTORIA
Jessica.Hochberg@dpc.vic.gov.au