Council has launched an EOI process for the Rawson Street site
Key points:
- Through a commercial real estate agent, Council has launched an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process for a Council-owned site in Rawson Street
- The site is strategically important and closely linked to Wollongong Train Station, the NSW Health Precinct and Wollongong's Retail and Employment hub
- While the Expression of Interest process is underway, there are no immediate changes for current users of the site
Wollongong City Council is seeking proposals for the development of a strategically important parcel of land within the city centre.
This week, Council launched an Expressions of Interest Process through a commercial real estate agent to consider proposals for the future of the Council-owned site in Rawson Street, near Wollongong Train Station. The site, bounded by Railway Parade, Rawson Street and Governors Lane, is currently used as a car park with 195 licensed and metered public parking spaces.
"This is a crucial site in the Wollongong city centre as it's in close proximity to Wollongong Train Station and the NSW Health Precinct as well as other major employment centres,'' Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"We're seeking proposals that retain public parking while also delivering a mix of community-focused and commercially sustainable uses. One possible outcome is that development at the site could include key worker housing and aged care accommodation. Both of which are very much needed in the city and by our community.''
The land has been in Council ownership since 2008 and, while the EOI process is underway, there will be no immediate changes for current users of the site.
"I appreciate that this news may raise questions with those currently holding a licensed space at the site, but there will be no immediate changes to public access to the site,'' Cr Brown said.
"Processes like this take time and we are aware that there are people who will be keenly interested in any proposed changes to access.''
Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said the decision to look at an EOI for this key site came at a significant time in Wollongong's growth and development.
"This parcel of land was purchased by Council in 2008 with a strategic goal in mind and we believe the time is right to explore opportunities here that support the continued growth and activation of the city centre,'' he said.
"The size of this land, its location and connection to key vital transport and employment hubs make it a very important opportunity for Wollongong. I am excited to see the potential of this site unlocked.''
The sale of this site is subject to Council approval and any proceeds from the sale would be returned to Council's property investment fund and used for initiatives that support the city's long-term strategic development.
"I want to be clear, this is not simply Council looking to sell a piece of land within the city,'' Cr Brown said.
"This is Council going to the market and asking developers to come to us with an idea, a plan and a way to support the growth and development of our city, and to address some key challenges we're facing in areas like childcare, affordable and key worker housing. If this site provides an opportunity to improve aged care accommodation offerings in Wollongong that would be such a positive outcome for our community.''
The EOI stipulates any future development of the site must include the continued provision of public parking. The EOI closes on 30 November 2026.
