BIMC Update

Published on 25 June 2024

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Bathurst Regional Council and the Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre (BIMC) have been unable to reach agreement on the provision of carparking spaces and their cost.

Mayor of Bathurst Cr Jess Jennings said Council, at its meeting on 19 June, considered a further request from BIMC to finalise funding for the carpark.

“This request from BIMC was unanimously rejected by Council because of:

  • the increased financial cost implications to ratepayers, and
  • inadequate parking spaces for the Bathurst community.

     

    “Council opted not to depart from our adopted Statement of Intent in relation to the proposed carpark, primarily because the latest proposal has insufficient parking provided to meet community requirements, including Bathurst RSL and their patrons.

    “Council has made every effort to support the BIMC project, noting Council was:

  • providing the land area necessary for the car park at no cost to the developer but valued conservatively at over $3 million,

     

  • paying $5 million cash of ratepayer’s funds towards car park construction,

     

  • had already amended height restrictions for BIMC, which conservatively amounts to a commercial real estate gain over $10 million for 3 extra floors.

“Councillors could not agree to bringing significantly more cars, patients and customers to the CBD without adequate parking and ultimately expects developers to provide sufficient parking to meet the demands created by any new development.

“The final offer from BIMC would have seen Council retaining certainty over only 240 of the already existing 325 spaces (a reduction of 85 spaces), and a grand total of only 580 spaces for a $70m development. This cemented Council’s unanimous decision.

“Council acknowledges and appreciates the significant time and effort BIMC has invested in getting the project this far, and the community involvement in Council amending the LEP.

“Ultimately this is a commercial decision for the private sector based on their expected return on investment, and while Council was generous despite financial circumstances the impacts of COVID cost escalations cannot be ignored.” Cr Jennings said.

NOTE:  Cr Jennings will be available for interview Wednesday 26 June10am  - 11am

 

Media contact: Therese Ryan Manager Corporate Communications

P: 02 6333 6202         M: 0437 958 478         E: therese.ryan@bathurst.nsw.gov.au 

 

 

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