THE so-called hole in the ground could be home to parking as part of a development plan.
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Negotiations are under way between Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Gowing Bros. about the future of the vacant site on the corner of William and Murray streets.
Councillors took part in confidential briefing with Gowing Bros. on June 22 about a proposal for the council to enter into an option agreement with Gowing Bros. to buy the site.
The land has been in council ownership for more than a decade.
Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor Peter Besseling said the council had been working for some years to secure more car parking for the Port Macquarie central business district, and at the same time, had been looking to secure the future of the hole in the ground site in William Street for a greater public benefit.
“Council is hopeful of finalising negotiations with Gowings to enter into an option agreement to buy the site, subject to formal council approval, which has the potential for a significant addition to public car parking availability in the CBD, whilst also providing for a large commercial investment to help support our local economy,” he said.
“The redevelopment of the site will add substantially to the amenity and vibrancy of Port Macquarie.”
The Gowing Bros. portfolio includes Port Central Shopping Centre.
Gowing Bros. general manager Garth Grundy confirmed the company was in negotiations with the council to enter into an option agreement to purchase the vacant site.
He said Gowing Bros. proposed to try to develop and activate the site which would create a public benefit with additional car parking spaces.
He said Gowing Bros. understood the council objective of extra car parking on the site as the company shared the frustrations of not having enough parking in town.
The council bought the CBD land on the corner of William and Murray streets for $3.866 million in late 2005 with a view for the site to house parking and other limited development.
The council has unsuccessfully tested the market for the land several times over the years.
Councillors will consider the matter as a confidential agenda item at the July 20 council meeting.
Lisa Tisdell
I'm a Port Macquarie News journalist, keen traveller, angler and cricket fan.
I'm a Port Macquarie News journalist, keen traveller, angler and cricket fan.
