Expression of Interest
Key Worker Housing Development Opportunity
165 Willcock Drive, Mahomets Flats
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
This Expression of Interest (EOI) seeks to identify a suitable key worker housing proposal on 165 Willcock Drive, Mahomets Flats for future consideration by Council.
Lot 3142 (no. 165) Willcock Drive, Mahomets Flats has been selected for its suitability for key worker accommodation and its accessibility for potential residents. The site, which is approximately 8.8 ha, is ideally situated within proximity to the Geraldton CBD and the iconic white sandy beaches of Separation Point and Greys Beach and the iconic Point Moore Lighthouse. The site is easily accessible via the John Willcock Link and Willcock Drive.
The proposed site is located less than two kilometres from the City’s CBD and only 150 metres from the closest primary school. There are multiple high schools within 2km of the site, the TAFE is across the road, and parks and a shopping precinct are nearby, all connected with existing walking trails and shared paths.
The site will be a highly desirable place to live especially for those seeking a simpler, more active outdoor lifestyle.
The site is currently unserviced and undeveloped. Truly a blank canvas, offering endless possibilities for a developer to bring their vision of a greater Greater Geraldton to life and create something exceptional for the future key workers of the Midwest. The City has applied for the State Government’s Stream 3: Unlocking Regional Worker Accommodation Opportunities grant to provide servicing to the site in support of this opportunity.
SITE SPECIFICS
Lot 3142 (Reserve 46860) on DP 26441 165 Willcock Drive, Mahomets Flats Area: 8.8098ha
R-Code: R80
Local Planning Scheme No.1 Zoning - Tourism Zone No Structure Plan is required before development occurring
PROJECT LOCATION
• 2.4km to City Centre
• 100m to Back Beach
• 1km to dog friendly park
• Close proximity to four primary schools and four high schools
• 850m to Central Regional TAFE campus
• Eight minute cycle to cafes / restaurants
Willcock Drive Key Worker Accommodation
GERALDTON REGIONAL HOSPITAL
GERALDTON SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
GERALDTON PORT
CITY CENTRE
CITY SNAPSHOT
Geraldton, the capital of the Midwest, is in the midst of a massive economic expansion and has significant capacity for further growth. Land availability is good, housing prices are affordable and existing infrastructure is well-established. Strong business and economic connections exist between Geraldton and the Pilbara. Cutting edge science and technology will complement mining activity in the region and bring a variety of economic, training and education opportunities for our residents.
Greater Geraldton is one of the fasted growing regional Local Government Areas by annual growth, repeatedly featuring in the top five LGAs in Regional Australia Institute’s (RAI) Regional Movers Index (internal migration inflows). Reporting also indicates a rise in regional job vacancies, reflecting strong demand for jobs which, in turn, is driving demand for key worker housing solutions.
As outlined in our current Strategic Community Plan, creating a desirable and sustainable built environment that reflects and responds to community aspirations is crucial for achieving community benefit.
Hence, through this EOI, the City is seeking a proponent to transform a stunning stretch of beachside land into a key worker housing development that delivers tangible community benefits and aligns with shared priorities. The City envisions a visionary transformation - a vibrant housing precinct that will serve the ongoing needs of Greater Geraldton’s dedicated workforce.
TOP FIVE EMPLOYMENT SECTORS
IMPORTANT DETAILS & CONSIDERATIONS
For the scope of this EOI, key workers are defined as people employed in roles which are critical for the successful operation of large industries, the day-today functioning of our economy and wellbeing of our community. Greater Geraldton’s largest employment sectors are heath care and social assistance, retail trade, education and training, construction and accommodation and food services. Key worker accommodation is housing solutions designed specifically to meet the housing needs of essential workers, such as healthcare professionals, teachers, and hospitality workers, and prioritises affordability and proximity to workplaces.
The City‘s primary objective in undertaking this EOI process is to increase affordable housing supply for key workers within the City of Greater Geraldton. The City is therefore open to various housing design options and delivery models, with diversity encouraged.
Proponents submitting proposals in response to this EOI are required to fully fund the design, construction, and delivery of the proposed development. The proponent shall conduct its own thorough due diligence regarding all aspects of the project site.
Current Status Future Status
Crown Land with a Management Order in place containing conditions that are specific to the future development of the site.
The site is currently unserviced and undeveloped.
The City is working to change the land tenure to freehold.
The City has applied for grant funding through the State Government’s Stream 3: Unlocking Regional Worker Accommodation Opportunities program and is waiting on the outcome of the grant application. The City is committed to using any grant funding secured to service the site.
FORMAL RESPONSE
We are asking interested proponents to submit a formal response in writing to council@cgg.wa.gov.au which provides a high-level overview of your key worker housing proposal and addresses the following principles;
1. Company profile – key information about your company, company profile and contact details, and statement of your capacity to undertake the project.
2. Concept proposal –
a. Target market: Define which markets your housing proposal will target and who the housing solution has been designed for.
b. Site plan: A preliminary layout showing how the land will be utilised (i.e., location of homes, parking, open spaces, etc.).
c. A brief description or illustration of the housing concept (i.e. number of homes, sizes, and layout ideas) including the quality and aesthetics of the project.
d. Demonstrate how the proposed development will respond to the characteristics of the area, integrate into the existing amenity and enhance the surrounding community, including affordability, accessibility, and social infrastructure.
3. Proposed development timeline – Outline key milestones, proposed staging and triggers for progression through stages, from concept to completion.
4. Experience and capability – Provide examples of similar projects your company has completed which demonstrate your capacity to deliver projects of this scale and type.
a. Include details of previous clients, specific projects and contact details.
5. Financial feasibility – Proposals should include a financial plan outlining how the development will be funded, including sources of capital, timelines for securing funding, and any contingencies.
NEXT STEPS
1. Proponents respond with a written proposal to council@cgg.wa.gov.au (attention Ryan Hall, Director Development Services) by close of business, Tuesday 11 March 2025
2. City officers assess submissions and interview proponents to determine project viability and expectation alignment.
3. City officers prepare a report to Council to consider the EOI process.
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions before the due date, please email: council@cgg.wa.gov.au
Attention to Ryan Hall, Director Development Services
A response will be emailed to you and added to the City’s website for all interested proponents. Click here to view https://bit.ly/3Bt0Lh1
