Ipswich City Council is seeking expressions of interest from community organisations to manage and activate the former Tallegalla School for heritage, historical, or cultural purposes. The lease term is a minimum of five years, with an option to extend up to twenty years. The successful operator will be responsible for day-to-day operations, maintenance, and community engagement. Prior to occupation, rehabilitation and improvement works may be required at the operator's cost. A Conservation Management Plan may be commissioned. Respondents must conduct due diligence on site condition and assess maintenance needs. The operator must ensure the site is safe, accessible, and conserved, while delivering community outcomes and promoting heritage values. Responsibilities include routine maintenance, lifecycle planning, heritage protection, issue identification, performance reporting, compliance with legislation, maintaining insurances, developing a sustainable business model, and collaborating with stakeholders. Rent will be negotiated based on the proposal's merits, and the operator will cover all operating costs.
The closing date for submissions is Thursday, 06 August 2026, 01:00 am E. South America Standard Time.
The operator will be responsible for all utility charges and operating costs, including rates, fire levy, water, sewerage, trade waste, electricity, telecommunications, internet, insurances, licences, and permits. Rent will be negotiated based on the proposal's merits.
Expressions of interest will be assessed on experience and capacity, professional management approach, community development and engagement, sustainable financial management, compliance and risk management, and local content.
Respondents must demonstrate experience in managing community-based facilities, particularly heritage or culturally significant sites, and have the capacity for trusteeship or management, including property maintenance and community engagement.
Noncompliance with heritage conservation principles or heritage approvals may result in enforcement actions, including fines, rectification orders, or development restrictions.
The supplier query cutoff date is Thursday, 30 July 2026, 01:00 am E. South America Standard Time.
Noncompliance with relevant legislation, including the Work Health and Safety Act ****, may lead to disqualification.
