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, extendable up to twenty years. The successful operator will be responsible for day-to-day operations, maintenance, and community engagement. Proposals should demonstrate a commitment to community use, skill development, and preserving the site's heritage significance. Rehabilitation and improvement works may be required at the operator's cost. A strategic business development plan is essential. The operator will be responsible for all operating costs and outgoings. Evaluation criteria include experience, management approach, community engagement, financial sustainability, compliance, and local content.
Submissions close on Thursday, 06 August 2026 at 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, waste collection, electricity, telecommunications, insurances, and licenses. Council will negotiate rent 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 requirements may result in enforcement actions, including fines, rectification orders, or development restrictions.
Supplier query cutoff is Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 01:00 am E. South America Standard Time.
Noncompliance with relevant legislation, including the Work Health and Safety Act ****, and failure to manage risks for property use, public access, and heritage conservation could lead to disqualification.
