IPSWICH
CITY
COUNCIL
AGENDA
of the
Economic Development Committee
Held in the Council Chambers
2nd floor – Council Administration Building
45 Roderick Street
IPSWICH QLD 4305
On Tuesday, 22 October 2019
At 8:30 am
IPSWICH
CITY
COUNCIL
AGENDA
of the
Economic Development Committee
Held in the Council Chambers
2nd floor – Council Administration Building
45 Roderick Street
IPSWICH QLD 4305
On Tuesday, 22 October 2019
At 8:30 am
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MEMBERS OF THE Economic Development Committee |
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Interim Administrator Greg Chemello(Chairperson) |
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Economic Development Committee Meeting Agenda |
22 October 2019 |
Economic Development Committee AGENDA
8:30 am on Tuesday, 22 October 2019
Council Chambers
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Item No. |
Item Title |
Page No. |
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1 |
Pilot Facade Improvement Incentive Program |
8 |
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2 |
City of Ipswich Business Visit to Japan and Taiwan |
13 |
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3 |
Proposed Amendment to the 2019-2020 Register of Fees and Charges |
30 |
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4 |
Outcome of Statutory Expression of Interest for Partners of Fire Station 101 |
37 |
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5 |
Nicholas Street Redevelopment Trader Marketing Support |
42 |
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6 |
**Ipswich Central Program Report No. 16 to 16 September 2019 |
49 |
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7 |
**Appointment of Retail Leasing Agent, Supplemental Information - Nicholas St Ipswich Central Project |
64 |
** Item includes confidential papers
Economic Development Committee NO. 10
22 October 2019
AGENDA
1. Pilot Facade Improvement Incentive Program
This is a report concerning the pilot of a Façade Improvement Incentive Program to activate new investment and revitalisation of key economic, community and activity precincts in Ipswich.
Recommendation
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
A. That the pilot Façade Improvement Incentive Program within a defined area of the Ipswich Central precinct, be endorsed.
B. That an allocation of $100,000 for the pilot Façade Improvement Incentive Program to 30 June 2020, be endorsed.
C. That a dollar-for-dollar matched incentive rebate mechanism for private business and property owners up to a total $15,000 total council allocation per applicant, be endorsed.
D. That the Chief Executive Officer finalise the consultation, specifications, governance and acquittal processes of the pilot Façade Improvement Incentive Program.
E. That a review and report on the pilot be provided to a future meeting of the Economic Development Committee, prior to 30 June 2020, for possible expansion of the Façade Improvement Incentive Program.
2. City of Ipswich Business Visit to Japan and Taiwan
This is a report concerning the Ipswich City Council business visit to Japan and Taiwan by council representatives from 29 November to 1 December 2019.
Recommendation
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
To endorse the proposed business visit program to Nerima and Tokyo in Japan, Nantou and Taipei in Taiwan as an extension to the previously endorsed visit to Nerima in order to maximise the economic benefits for Ipswich.
3. Proposed Amendment to the 2019-2020 Register of Fees and Charges
This is a report concerning the proposed amendments to the 2019-2020 Register of Fees and Charges, specifically fees and charges related to Fire Station 101 activities.
Recommendation
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
That the 2019-2020 Register of Fees and Charges be amended, as detailed in Attachment 1, and adopted with effect from 1 November 2019.
4. Outcome of Statutory Expression of Interest for Partners of Fire Station 101
This is a report concerning the outcome of Fire Station 101 market testing by expressions of interest for delivery, operation and management of an expanded portfolio of programs.
At the Economic Development Committee held on 14 May 2019 the following was resolved:
A. That Council (Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council) resolve that it is satisfied that the calling of Expressions of Interest under section 228(5) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, as detailed in the report by the Project Manager (Fire Station 101) dated 1 May 2019, is in the public interest for the following reason:
It will allow Council to identify potential contractors who are serious contenders for the provision of products and services that will improve or enhance knowledge and skills to build innovation capability without putting all contenders to the expense of preparing a full tender response in the initial stages.
B. That Council (Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council) resolve to invite Expressions of Interest under section 228(5) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, as detailed in the report by the Project Manager (Fire Station 101) dated 1 May 2019, for products and services that will improve or enhance knowledge and skills to build innovation capability.
Consequently a Request for
Expressions of Interest (EOI) was released on the 31 August 2019 for Fire
Station 101 partners seeking proposals from organisations to deliver products
and services to improve and enhance community knowledge and skills to build
innovation capability.
Recommendation
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
That the report be received and the contents noted.
5. Nicholas Street Redevelopment Trader Marketing Support
This is a report concerning proposed marketing support to be provided to traders / retailers located in the primary ‘impact zone*’ of the Nicholas Street redevelopment precinct through council’s Economic Development Incentives Policy.
Retailers in the ‘impact zone’ are struggling with foot traffic due to the road closures and fencing surrounding Nicholas Street and its footpaths, with significant paving and landscaping work to commence in late October 2019 which won’t be completed until the end of December 2019. This is causing considerable stress to retailers.
(* Note the ‘impact zone’ is defined as Nicolas Street from Brisbane Street to Bremer Parade, and Union Place from Nicholas Street to Bell Street. Fourteen retailers are located in this ‘impact zone’.)
Recommendation
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
That a one-off payment of $500 per retailer located in the ‘impact zone’, to be put towards marketing initiatives, as agreed to between each retailer and council as part of a strategic marketing plan (maximum budget $7000), be approved.
6. **Ipswich Central Program Report No. 16 to 16 September 2019
This is a report concerning a monthly update for the Ipswich Central Program of Works.
Recommendation
That the report on the Ipswich Central Program Report No. 16 effective to 16 September 2019 be received and the contents noted.
7. **Appointment of Retail Leasing Agent, Supplemental Information - Nicholas St Ipswich Central Project
This is a report concerning the provision of supplemental information to support a prior decision of Council by resolution for the appointment of Ranbury Property Services Pty Ltd (“Ranbury”) as the retail leasing agent for the Nicholas St – Ipswich Central Project (“Project”).
Recommendation
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
That the report concerning the Appointment of Retail Leasing Agent, Supplemental Information – Nicholas St Ipswich Central Project be received and the contents noted.
** Item includes confidential papers
and any other items as considered necessary.
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Economic Development Committee Meeting Agenda |
22 October 2019 |
ITEM: 1
SUBJECT: Pilot Facade Improvement Incentive Program
AUTHOR: General Manager - Community, Cultural and Economic Development
DATE: 9 October 2019
This is a report concerning the pilot of a Façade Improvement Incentive Program to activate new investment and revitalisation of key economic, community and activity precincts in Ipswich.
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
A. That the pilot Façade Improvement Incentive Program within a defined area of the Ipswich Central precinct, be endorsed.
B. That an allocation of $100,000 for the pilot Façade Improvement Incentive Program to 30 June 2020, be endorsed.
C. That a dollar-for-dollar matched incentive rebate mechanism for private business and property owners up to a total $15,000 total council allocation per applicant, be endorsed.
D. That the Chief Executive Officer finalise the consultation, specifications, governance and acquittal processes of the pilot Façade Improvement Incentive Program.
E. That a review and report on the pilot be provided to a future meeting of the Economic Development Committee, prior to 30 June 2020, for possible expansion of the Façade Improvement Incentive Program.
There are no related party matters associated with this report.
Strengthening our local economy and building prosperity.
Façade improvement schemes are an established practice of council’s to partner with private business and property owners in the rejuvenation of key precinct amenity and interest.
The appearance of the city’s businesses and overall streetscapes makes an impact on perception, sentiment, visitation, commerce and investment.
The pilot Façade Improvement Incentive Program is focused on a nucleus area of Ipswich Central which has arguably suffered the most direct and adverse effects of the protracted Nicholas Street Development.
Whilst the Nicholas Street Development is now very much progressing, council believes there is an opportunity to stimulate wider investment and improvement by private business and property owners around the development area.
The initial pilot is recommended to take in private commercial properties from the intersection of Brisbane Street, Burnett Street and Limestone Street in the west to Limestone Street and East Street in the east to East Street and Mansfield Place in the north.
Businesses and property owners on both sides of the boundary streets are eligible.
This pilot area takes in most of the highest trafficked and densely commercial accesses of the Ipswich Central precinct.
Business and property owners will be encouraged to develop improvement ideas that:
· enhance the presentation of a building or business
· contribute to amenity and a more interesting and exciting street experience
· make a creative or unique contribution to the streetscape
· adhere to a prescribed specification
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
Endorsing a cooperative investment program without complete specifications and guidelines puts council at risk of not fulfilling the intent of the project and increases the potential for the project to proceed with errors or unforeseen issues. This risk is being mitigated by initiating a small-scale pilot, researching and adopting established program guidelines, consultation with relevant stakeholders and a final assessment and approval by the CEO.
The risk of initiating a small-scale pilot is that it excludes neighbouring businesses and land owners who may have a relevant argument for inclusion and meet factors of eligibility only to be omitted because of a refined delineation. This risk is being mitigated by an upfront statement by council of its intention to expand the program if measures of demand and success can be demonstrated by the pilot before 30 June 2020.
There is a risk that the pilot program will be oversubscribed and improvements fail to be realised due to a total expenditure of budget. This may happen because of the number of applications or because of the size of applications. This risk is again being mitigated by an upfront statement by council of its intention to expand the program if measures of demand and success can be demonstrated by the pilot before 30 June 2020.
The pilot Façade Improvement Incentive Program is unbudgeted.
If endorsed, a cross-functional team led by Stakeholder Relations Manager (Coordination and Performance) and Project Manager Ipswich Central (Office of Economic Development) will prioritise the consultation, specifications, governance and acquittal processes of the pilot Façade Improvement Incentive Program.
They will also oversee the application, approval and reporting process.
A recommendation of the Economic Development Community Reference Group held on 27 August 2019 for the stimulation of the Ipswich Central precinct is for council to implement a grants and incentives scheme to upgrade or develop CBD buildings.
The Growth Management Community Reference Group held 19 August 2019 raised concerns around the poorly kept shop fronts and what incentives council could implement to rejuvenate the Ipswich Central precinct.
A recommendation from the Ipswich Central Business Briefing held 10 September 2019 for the stimulation of the Ipswich Central precinct is for council to better support local businesses through an incentives scheme.
The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry was consulted and welcomed the proposal.
Council’s Executive Leadership Team have been consulted and support the pilot proposal.
Initial consultation with the following council’s on their programs has been undertaken: Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Hobart City Council, Rockhampton Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council, Adelaide City Council and Newcastle City Council.
Façade improvement schemes are an established practice of council’s to partner with private property owners in the rejuvenation of key precinct amenity and interest.
The endorsement of a pilot Façade Improvement Incentive Program will be a direct action of council in partnership with landowners and tenant businesses to stimulate investment and development on an area of Ipswich Central which has arguably suffered the most direct and adverse effects of the protracted Nicholas Street Development.
The pilot program’s demand and success will be actively measured to assess the potential for future enhancement and expansion.
Ben Pole
General Manager - Community, Cultural and Economic Development
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Sean Madigan
General Manager - Coordination and Performance
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
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Economic Development Committee Meeting Agenda |
22 October 2019 |
ITEM: 2
SUBJECT: City of Ipswich Business Visit to Japan and Taiwan
AUTHOR: Senior Industry Development Officer
DATE: 5 September 2019
This is a report concerning the Ipswich City Council business visit to Japan and Taiwan by council representatives from 29 November to 1 December 2019.
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
To endorse the proposed business visit program to Nerima and Tokyo in Japan, Nantou and Taipei in Taiwan as an extension to the previously endorsed visit to Nerima in order to maximise the economic benefits for Ipswich.
· Nerima City, Japan
· Nantou County, Taiwan
· Hsinchu City, Taiwan
· Trade and Investment Queensland Offices in Japan and Taiwan
· Australian Trade Commission
· Ipswich Region Education Consortium
Strengthening our local economy and building prosperity
At the April 2019 Council meeting the report concerning an invitation by Nerima City to the City of Ipswich to attend the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Sister City relations was endorsed.
Since then the Office of Economic Development has been developing business visit programs informed by consultation with relevant industry participants that is focused on fostering strategic trade and investment linkages to promote priority Ipswich industries including manufacturing, education, tourism and smart city solutions.
As a result, the proposed business visit program includes a two day visit to Nantou County, Hsinchu City and Taipei City, Taiwan.
City of Ipswich has a formal sister city relationship with Nantou County since 2016. In addition, Ipswich signed a region-to-region agreement with Hsinchu County, Taiwan on the 21st April 1994 with both signatories resigning again on 06 June 2015.
Trade and Investment Queensland Commissioner in Taiwan recommends leveraging on the relationships with both Hsinchu City and Nantou County will help maximise economic benefits through institutional partnerships focusing on education, knowledge sharing and smart city for Ipswich.
In Taipei City, Trade and Investment Queensland and the Australian Trade Commission have generated significant interest in education and smart city programs. Meetings with government and industry are being scheduled on these themes.
The close proximity of Nantou, Hsinchu and Taipei to Nerima and the interest shown by government and industry in both Taiwanese regions makes the extended business visit a more effective use of council resources than a single city program alone.
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
The proposed business program aligns with key deliverables as outlined in the Economic Development and Workforce plan, fostering high level strategic collaboration with major trading markets to raise awareness of Ipswich industry opportunities to access supply chains. The inclusion of business meetings will strengthen the reputation of Ipswich City Council as a proactive local government helping to advance economic priorities of the region that will be received positively to media and communities.
In addition, failure to appropriately recognise the 25th anniversary of Sister City relations would be detrimental to Ipswich’s reputation in maintaining international relations with its longstanding sister city, Nerima.
The visit program has been developed in collaboration with Nantou, Hsinchu, Nerima, Queensland Government and Australian Governments Trade and Investment Offices. The Office of Economic Development will be responsible for project management, including engagement of all relevant stakeholders in Queensland, Japan and Taiwan, business meeting coordination with Trade and Investment Queensland Japan and Taiwan and Austrade, Nantou, Hsinchu and Nerima sister city program coordination, briefing materials, logistics, budget, follow ups and recommended actions.
While Nerima City, Nantou County and Hsinchu Governments have offered some complementary services, including some internal transfers, meals, interpreter fees and accommodation (Nantou), Ipswich City Council is responsible to pay for all other expenses, including airfares, transfers (to and from airports) and accommodation.
Trade and Investment Queensland Japan and Taiwan will support in-market briefings, arrangements of all business meetings, as well as Trade Commissioners assistance to accompany the CEO of Ipswich City Council at relevant business meetings.
To ensure Ipswich City Council is well represented and maximises the value of this important mission, it is recommended that the CEO will be accompanied by the General Manager Community, Cultural and Economic Development.
The estimated cost of the additional visit to Taiwan, including Nantou County and Hsinchu City, will be approx. $3,500 for two delegates. This cost includes, airfare, accommodations and internal transfers, and will be funded from Office of Economic Developments International Relations budget.
The Office of Economic Development undertook consultation with the following stakeholders.
· Austrade Japan
· Trade and Investment Commissioners (Taiwan and Japan)
· Ipswich State High School
· Ipswich City Council, Office of the Interim Administrator
· Nerima City Government (International and Domestic City Exchange)
· Nantou County Council
The business program reflected the advice received by relevant agencies. During consultation phase, Ipswich State High School expressed interest to participate, as business delegate to attend the Nerima Sister City Anniversary program, given its extensive engagement with Nerima Board of Education.
It is recommended that Council endorse the proposed business visit program to Japan and Taiwan to maximise the benefits for Ipswich industries aligning the approved visit to Nerima in commemoration of the 25th anniversaries of Sister City relations.
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1. |
CEO of ICC Visit Program to Japan and Taiwan 2019 ⇩ |
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2. |
Nerima Approved Committee Report ⇩ |
Tamanna Monem
Senior Industry Development Officer
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Paul Massingham
Economic Development Manager
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Ben Pole
General Manager - Community, Cultural and Economic Development
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
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Economic Development Committee Meeting Agenda |
22 October 2019 |
ITEM: 3
SUBJECT: Proposed Amendment to the 2019-2020 Register of Fees and Charges
AUTHOR: Smart City Project Officer
DATE: 1 October 2019
This is a report concerning the proposed amendments to the 2019-2020 Register of Fees and Charges, specifically fees and charges related to Fire Station 101 activities.
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
That the 2019-2020 Register of Fees and Charges be amended, as detailed in Attachment 1, and adopted with effect from 1 November 2019.
Strengthening our local economy and building prosperity
Fire Station 101 provides local entrepreneurs with the space to start and room to grow. Since opening in March 2016, Fire Station 101 (FS101) has operated as a membership based startup incubator, co-working space and events facility. To date, FS101 has worked with over 200 member businesses, hosted more than 250 events and supported a community of over 1750 local entrepreneurs through workshops and mentoring.
Changing community, market factors and hub capability and capacity has lead the FS101 team to recognise a need to amend fees and charges for hub membership and venue hire. It has been determined that by amending these fees FS101 will be enabled to engage a more diverse business community in its membership service and deliver more partner lead workshops through venue hire. These amendments detailed in Attachment 1 will streamline operational process creating a more efficient business unit. Therefore the Office of Economic Development proposes that an amendment to the 2019-2020 Register of Fees and Charges is required as follows:
Section 3.1 Fire Station 101 Memberships
The proposed change is to simplify FS101 membership by merging part-time and full-time into one membership option. This amendment will improve operational efficiency and make membership a more financially viable solution to a broader community of entrepreneurs.
In addition, members will now be able to add associates to their membership through a proposed associate access fee.
Section 3.2 Fire Station 101 Venue Hire
The proposed change is to adjust venue hire fees and charges to be consistent with industry rates and reflective of the venues unique nature.
Section 3.3 Fire Station 101 Facilitation Services
Event Facilitation and Mentoring is no longer a business as usual service offering to external customers. Therefore it is proposed that the fee be amended to a request for quote.
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 2009 s98, Local Governments are required to maintain a register of fees and charges available for inspection by the public. This ad-hoc review of the fees complements the annual review, which is undertaken along with adjustments and rolling reviews of fees. As part of the annual review, a risk register is reviewed and updated by Departments.
The proposed change to the fees and charges have come about from customer feedback, suggesting a simplified membership as described above. The feedback provided from Council’s customers has been accepted and the changes are a reflection of this feedback.
Adopting the proposed amendments to the 2019-2020 Register of Fees and Charges will enable Fire Station 101 to engage a more diverse business community in its membership service and deliver more partner lead workshops through venue hire.
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1. |
Fire Station 101 Fees and Charges 2019-2020 Track Changes ⇩ |
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2. |
Fire Station 101 Fees and Charges 2019-2020 Clean Skin ⇩ |
Brandon McIntosh
Smart City Project Officer
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Ben Pole
General Manager - Community, Cultural and Economic Development
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
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Economic Development Committee Meeting Agenda |
22 October 2019 |
ITEM: 4
SUBJECT: Outcome of Statutory Expression of Interest for Partners of Fire Station 101
AUTHOR: Project Manager (Fire Station - Secondment)
DATE: 16 September 2019
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning the outcome of Fire Station 101 market testing by expressions of interest for delivery, operation and management of an expanded portfolio of programs.
At the Economic Development Committee held on 14 May 2019 the following was resolved:
A. That Council (Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council) resolve that it is satisfied that the calling of Expressions of Interest under section 228(5) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, as detailed in the report by the Project Manager (Fire Station 101) dated 1 May 2019, is in the public interest for the following reason:
It will allow Council to identify potential contractors who are serious contenders for the provision of products and services that will improve or enhance knowledge and skills to build innovation capability without putting all contenders to the expense of preparing a full tender response in the initial stages.
B. That Council (Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council) resolve to invite Expressions of Interest under section 228(5) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, as detailed in the report by the Project Manager (Fire Station 101) dated 1 May 2019, for products and services that will improve or enhance knowledge and skills to build innovation capability.
Consequently a Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) was released on the 31 August 2019 for Fire Station 101 partners seeking proposals from organisations to deliver products and services to improve and enhance community knowledge and skills to build innovation capability.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
That the report be received and the contents noted.
RELATED PARTIES
There are no related party matters associated with this report.
Advance Ipswich Theme
Strengthening our local economy and building prosperity
Purpose of Report/Background
Since opening in March 2016, Fire Station 101 (FS101) has operated as a membership based start-up incubator, co-working space and events facility. FS101 has worked with over 200 start-up businesses and hosted over 250 events.
In 2018 the ownership and operations of FS101 were transferred wholly to Council from Ipswich City Developments and Ipswich City Enterprises. The transfer and integration of FS101 into Council’s Office of Economic Development has maximised Council’s investment and resources in the delivery of innovation, business accelerator, technology and smart city activities delivering increased economic, workforce and community outcomes.
FS101 has developed into a significant regional hub for collaboration and innovation, building community capability and opportunity. It is a key civic asset that continues to facilitate objectives and outcomes prioritised in the Advance Ipswich Plan and the Economic and Workforce Development Plan, such as:
· Lead an innovation and digital technology agenda enabling new ways to working and living and be recognised as a national centre for smart city research, development and solutions
· Strengthen and diversify the local digital economy
· Drive the enhancement of existing industries and the emergence of new industries to create a diversified economy and economic prosperity
· Enable business diversification, adapting and responding to technological advances and creating an attractive economic environment for business investment
Conducting an expression of interest was recommended to explore the market for ongoing partnership interest and operating models that would support greater collaboration in the delivery of business capability and capacity building for Ipswich businesses. This EOI was released on 31 August 2019.
OUTCOME
Council received five responses to the EOI process from organisations located within South East Queensland. The panel reviewed all respondent’s submissions individually using the procurement evaluation matrix. The assessments from this round were consistent and resulted in an agreed ranking of responses.
The nature of the respondents was diverse, offering a variety of expertise, specialisation and experience. However none of the responses received presented a partnership opportunity that the panel determined to be a preferred model for FS101.
Some of the responses incorporated particular components of products and services that have the potential to assist FS101 to improve or enhance knowledge and skills to build innovation capability. If determined that these products and services are required this will be pursued separately to the EOI under standard procurement arrangements.
Whilst the decision was reached that none of the responses presented a suitable partnership opportunity, the EOI process was considered a sound exercise to undertake in order to test the niche market of providers that operate in this industry. The EOI process has identified a willingness to engage with external product or service providers on a fee for service basis that strategically align with Council’s innovation agenda.
The FS101 business model has been reviewed and is being realigned to generate more industry and commercial outcomes. Council is currently in negotiations with key stakeholders including the Queensland Government to establish a research and development presence within FS101. Securing major tenants that strategically align with the vision and operations of FS101 will provide ongoing opportunities and viability of the asset. It is expected that Council will establish the first major tenancy agreement by November 2019. This revised approach allows for the enhancement of the service offerings to innovators and entrepreneurs of Ipswich while building a more sustainable and viable business model that supports a higher value for money proposition.
Additionally a business plan is currently being developed investigating the opportunity to capitalise on the current unused portions of the FS101 building. Through this process there will be a focus on maximising the available space for further expansion of commercial partners / tenants ensuring the future viability and return on investment of the asset.
The findings of the EOI support Council’s expectations that Council will continue to manage and plan for the future of FS101. To deliver upon this purpose an annual program of activities designed to build entrepreneurial capability and culture has been developed.
Activities are focused on building the skills required for entrepreneurship developing the technical, business management and personal entrepreneurship skills of local enterprise. The aim of the program is to provide support for local enterprise to innovate, sustain and scale, through entrepreneurialism assisting long term economic development and sustainable employment in the City of Ipswich.
Legal/Policy Basis
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009.
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
The major risks and proposed solutions associated with the EOI are outlined below:
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Risk |
Category |
Rating |
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Don’t receive quality responses |
Supply |
High |
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Receive responses that do not provide value for money |
Finance and Economic |
Medium |
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Overall Rating: |
High |
To reduce the above risks occurring a desktop analysis of potential respondents was conducted and these respondents were directly informed of when the EOI was to be released.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial/resource implications.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
Key stakeholders from the Community, Cultural and Economic Development Department were consulted in relation to the delivery and distribution of the EOI.
Conclusion
Fire Station 101 builds the capability to innovate through being a centre of excellence that grows knowledge, encourages collaboration and develops skills to drive social and economic outcomes for Ipswich.
Council undertook an expression of interest process explore market-led partnership proposals as a way to potentially evolve the operations, products and services of Fire Station 101.
The result of the expression of interest is that council will not pursue any of the responses as partnerships but will assess each as potential providers of products and services.
Jodie Welsh
Project Manager (Fire Station - Secondment)
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Paul Massingham
Economic Development Manager
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Ben Pole
General Manager - Community, Cultural and Economic Development
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
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Economic Development Committee Meeting Agenda |
22 October 2019 |
ITEM: 5
SUBJECT: Nicholas Street Redevelopment Trader Marketing Support
AUTHOR: Stakeholder Relations Manager
DATE: 14 October 2019
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning proposed marketing support to be provided to traders / retailers located in the primary ‘impact zone*’ of the Nicholas Street redevelopment precinct through council’s Economic Development Incentives Policy.
Retailers in the ‘impact zone’ are struggling with foot traffic due to the road closures and fencing surrounding Nicholas Street and its footpaths, with significant paving and landscaping work to commence in late October 2019 which won’t be completed until the end of December 2019. This is causing considerable stress to retailers.
(* Note the ‘impact zone’ is defined as Nicolas Street from Brisbane Street to Bremer Parade, and Union Place from Nicholas Street to Bell Street. Fourteen retailers are located in this ‘impact zone’.)
RECOMMENDATION
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
That a one-off payment of $500 per retailer located in the ‘impact zone’, to be put towards marketing initiatives, as agreed to between each retailer and council as part of a strategic marketing plan (maximum budget $7000), be approved.
RELATED PARTIES
There are no potential conflicts of interest.
Advance Ipswich Theme
Strengthening our local economy and building prosperity
Purpose of Report/Background
The delivery of the redevelopment of the Nicholas Street precinct is one of council’s major priorities, with the first stage (the reopening of Nicholas Street) hoped to be completed by the end of 2019.
Unfortunately, redevelopment of this scale brings with it significant challenges to current traders and retailers, and the 14 businesses located within the ‘impact zone’ are struggling to attract customers while this redevelopment work is underway.
A number of issues have been brought to the attention of council’s Stakeholder Relations team by traders, including the fact that the fencing and hoarding currently in place provides a visual barrier to potential customers. It appears that the mall is closed, when in fact these 14 traders are still operating.
Rather than a ‘staged approach’ to hoarding, the contractor has taken an ‘all-of-project’ approach.
Following several discussions with impacted traders and an internal brainstorming session with the relevant council stakeholders, it was agreed that council should provide a comprehensive marketing and communications program to better support individual traders as well as the precinct in general during this challenging period to help reduce some of the inconvenience caused by council’s contractor.
Council proposes to support these retailers in the following ways:
1. Implementation of a strategic communications plan, through the Stakeholder Relations Team, with the goal of increasing updates and strengthening relationships.
2. Working with retailers one-on-one to create a tailored marketing plan to help attract new customers between now and the end of December.
3. Production of ‘We’re still open’ signage to be placed throughout the entire precinct.
4. Provision of $500 per retailer to put towards this marketing program, through the Economic Development Incentives Policy.
5. Creation of a council-driven social media campaign with the goal of reminding the community that the 14 traders in the Nicholas Street precinct are still operating through the promotion of special offers and incentives (with a $1000 budget)
Legal/Policy Basis
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
It is imperative that this program is refined and clearly defined, to ensure a ‘start and end’ to the financial support provided by council to the disadvantaged traders and a clear geographic area of relevance. As such, this proposed program will be offered only to the 14 traders in the ‘impact zone’ (which is defined as Nicolas Street from Brisbane Street to Bremer Parade, and Union Place from Nicholas Street to Bell Street).
Council has been advised that the hoarding will be removed from the Nicholas Street zone by December 20 2019, so a condition of this program is that the $500 must be put towards marketing between now and 20 December 2019.
There is a risk that this proposed marketing program may not generate increased foot traffic and help embattled traders. However, a targeted and tailored approach with support and recommendations from council’s Stakeholder Relations Team will help to provide maximum return on investment.
There is a risk that traders outside of the ‘impact zone’ may apply for this funding. This risk is mitigated by clearly defining the primary ‘impact zone’ and targeting just 14 traders only within this zone.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
The Nicholas Street Redevelopment Trader Marketing Support Program is unfunded.
It is proposed that $500 is offered to each of the 14 traders located in the ‘impact zone’ as a once-off payment ($7000 maximum) between now and the end of December 2019. This funding is relevant to the Economic Development Incentives Policy which states that:
“The objective of this policy is to facilitate this development through the provision of development incentive packages that will relate primarily to economic development and will be considered separately to the development application process.”
The policy extends to “joint marketing / promotion packages”.
The total budget required would not exceed $8000, which includes $7000 for joint marketing / promotions ($500 for each of the 14 traders), and $1000 for Nicholas Street social media support.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
To ensure the support offered by council was relevant to the traders and would help to solve their challenges, members of the Stakeholder Relations team had one-on-one discussions with the majority of the 14 traders located in the ‘impact zone’. A stakeholder meeting was also held, facilitated by the Manager of Media and Stakeholder Relations. The feedback received in these sessions / discussions were used as the basis for the recommendations in this report.
Internally, a brainstorming session was held with representatives from the Office of Economic Development, Marketing, Media and Stakeholder Relations to further refine the proposed offer. All stakeholders were supportive of the recommendations in this report, and mindful of the need to refine the amount and the area, and to ensure the marketing initiatives employed were tailored to each trader / business.
The Legal Services Branch was also consulted to ensure a transparent, accountable and ethical method of financial support was recommended, as per the Economic Development Incentives Policy. They noted that council was not legally obliged to provide this funding.
Conclusion
While the opening of the redeveloped Nicholas Street precinct will be a benefit for the 14 traders currently operating in the area, they are currently being negatively impacted by the significant redevelopment work.
Council does not want to see these 14 businesses suffer any more than they have to. The endorsement of this Nicholas Street Redevelopment Trader Marketing Support Program would help these traders through the months ahead, between now and the end of December, when the hoarding will come down and foot traffic will increase.
Attachments and Confidential Background Papers
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1. |
Economic Development Incentives Policy ⇩ |
Allison Grant
Stakeholder Relations Manager
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Sean Madigan
General Manager - Coordination and Performance
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
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Economic Development Committee Meeting Agenda |
22 October 2019 |
ITEM: 6
SUBJECT: Ipswich Central Program Report No. 16 to 16 September 2019
AUTHOR: Business Support Officer
DATE: 10 October 2019
This is a report concerning a monthly update for the Ipswich Central Program of Works.
That the report on the Ipswich Central Program Report No. 16 effective to 16 September 2019 be received and the contents noted.
Program Management Partner, Ranbury Management Group – for the Ipswich CBD Transformation Project.
Strengthening our local economy and building prosperity
This report includes Monthly Program Report No. 16 for Ipswich Central effective to 16 September 2019. It is to inform the Committee of the progress of the redevelopment works, including status of design, procurement, programme, potential risks with related mitigation strategies, etc.
Not applicable
Not applicable
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
Not applicable
This report is provided as a monthly update on the Ipswich Central Program of Works.
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1. |
Summary Report No 16 ⇩ |
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CONFIDENTIAL |
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2. |
Nicole Denman
Business Support Officer
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Sean Madigan
General Manager - Coordination and Performance
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
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Economic Development Committee Meeting Agenda |
22 October 2019 |
ITEM: 7
SUBJECT: Appointment of Retail Leasing Agent, Supplemental Information - Nicholas St Ipswich Central Project
AUTHOR: Project Accountant
DATE: 1 October 2019
This is a report concerning the provision of supplemental information to support a prior decision of Council by resolution for the appointment of Ranbury Property Services Pty Ltd (“Ranbury”) as the retail leasing agent for the Nicholas St – Ipswich Central Project (“Project”).
That the Interim Administrator of Ipswich City Council resolve:
That the report concerning the Appointment of Retail Leasing Agent, Supplemental Information – Nicholas St Ipswich Central Project be received and the contents noted.
Ranbury Property Services Pty Ltd
The Interim Administrator informs that he has, or could reasonably be taken to have a perceived conflict of interest in this report titled Appointment of Retail Leasing Agent, Supplemental Information - Nicholas St Ipswich Central Project. The nature of the perceived interest is that Ranbury Management Group is the primary consultant for the CBD Redevelopment and from 2008 to 2012 he was an employee and was a director and part owner of Ranbury but has had no association with the company since then other than through his current role.
Strengthening our local economy and building prosperity
At the 27 June 2019 Council Special Meeting, a decision of Council by resolution was made to appoint Ranbury as retail leasing agent for the Project. On further review by Council’s Legal Branch, it has been recommended to provide additional information not included in the original Officer’s report, to further substantiate the decision of Council. This current report provides that additional information.
Identification of Project Retail Area / Location
The properties subject to the Project’s retail leasing strategy are identified as follows and illustrated in Attachment 1:
A. Lot 1 on Registered Plan 2677 (Title Reference 13312126) (“Commonwealth Hotel”)
B. Lot 1 on Registered Plan 209886 (Title Reference 17044044) (“Venue”)
C. Lot 2 on Survey Plan 246525 (Title Reference 50864849) (“Metro A”)
D. Lot 1 on Registered Plan 157021 (Title Reference 18007008) (“Metro B”)
E. Lot 2 on Registered Plan 209886 (Title Reference 18427021) (“Eats”)
F. Lot 3 on Registered Plan 212242 (Title Reference 17077066) (“Eats”)
G. Part of Lot 1 on Survey Plan 300605 (future reconfiguration) (“Eats”)
The Tenancy Schedule current 3 October 2019 – refer confidential Attachment 3 – is a mixture of retail and commercial spaces, 46 no. totalling some 22,216 m2. The retails schematics of Venue, Metro and Eats are provided in confidential Attachment 4.
A Market Sounding & Financial Analysis prepared by external advisory consultant KPMG is currently under review by Council, and may impact the scope/timing of retail leasing within the Project.
Consultant Leasing Fees / Contractual Engagement
Leasing fees for Ranbury and other relevant terms & conditions have been agreed via a Property occupation Form 6 – Appointment and reappointment of a property agent, resident letting agent or property auctioneer document, fully executed by both parties on 7 July 2019, with an effective commencement date of 18 June 2019 – refer confidential Attachment 5. Leasing fees for Ranbury are a combination of a monthly retainer and transaction success fees – the latter on execution of heads of agreement with identified tenants. Based on the current Council-endorsed leasing strategy, the transaction success fees forecast for the retail agency services of Ranbury are detailed in the Tenancy Schedule in confidential Attachment 3.
The services of Ranbury will be formalised under a Council Professional Services Contract.
Roles & Responsibilities of Retail Leasing Agent
Minor changes to roles and responsibilities of Ranbury are detailed in Attachment 2, to reflect the scope and brief for the role of the leasing agent. This will be included in the formal Contract between parties.
Retail Leasing Strategy
The current approved Retail Leasing Strategy is included in confidential Attachment 6. It includes an original strategy document tabled and noted by the Ipswich City Properties Pty Ltd Board in December 2018 – which included Master Plan Review and Food & Beverage Strategy draft reports. These draft reports were finalised in early 2019 and are also included in Attachment 6. This Retail Leasing Strategy is subject to the outcome of the review by Council of the Market Sounding & Financial Analysis prepared by KPMG.
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
There are no additional risks identified associated with the recommendation of this report.
There are no additional financial/budgetary implications associated with the recommendation of this report.
Consultation with Council’s Legal Branch regarding review of the previous resolution passed at the 27 June 2019 Special Council Meeting was done.
Tabling of supplemental information associated with the appointment of Ranbury as retail leasing agent for the Project – to ensure relevant Council Officers have all relevant information relating to the decision passed by resolution at the 27 June 2019 Special Council Meeting.
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Ipswich Central Project Precinct ⇩ |
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Retail Leasing Agency Brief ⇩ |
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CONFIDENTIAL |
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3. |
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4. |
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Form 6 - Appointment and reappointment of a property agent, resident letting agent or property auctioneer |
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6.1 |
Leasing Strategy Submitted to ICP Board December 2018 (including Master Plan Review and Food & Beverage Strategy draft reports) |
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6.2 |
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6.3 |
Brett Edmunds
Project Accountant
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Sean Madigan
General Manager - Coordination and Performance
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
