HPG recently met with the Harbour Trust on proposals for future uses of 10 Terminal, The Trust Executive Office Mary Darwell provided this reply:
I refer to our meeting earlier this week to discuss SIMS' proposal for 10 Terminal. I am pleased to provide you with an update about the proposal, which you are welcome to share more broadly with HPG's members.
The Harbour Trust's 2017 Management Plan for Middle Head sets out the desired outcomes for the precinct, including the adaptive reuse of 10 Terminal. In line with the Management Plan, the Harbour Trust is committed to securing an appropriate, sustainable new use for 10 Terminal.
SIMS has put forward a proposal to establish a Centre of Urban Marine Innovation (CUMI) at 10 Terminal. This follows on from the successful establishment of SIMS some years ago at Chowder Bay, where SIMS has made a significant contribution to improving our understanding and protection of the marine environment.
The Harbour Trust's Board considers the CUMI proposal as being strongly aligned with the Management Plan's objectives. SIMS has been advised to explore its concept further, and to consult with stakeholders (such as the HPG and Department of Education) to investigate ways of incorporating broader Harbour Trust objectives - such as those relating to education - in its proposal.
SIMS has now prepared a business case for the CUMI, including architectural drawings and a detailed outline of the nature of the proposal. SIMS is presently seeking financial support for its proposal.
If SIMS proceed to submit a formal leasing proposal for 10 Terminal, then this would be assessed by the Harbour Trust in accordance with our Leasing Policy, which includes consideration of a proposal's consistency with the Management Plan. If the proposal was to progress to this stage, then a detailed planning application would be publicly exhibited for community comment. Public submissions would form an important part of the Harbour Trust's consideration of the proposal.
The Harbour Trust will keep you informed about the progress of the proposal. I trust this information is of assistance.
Yours sincerely
Mary Darwell
Executive Officer
The HPG Committee has also written to SIMS and raised a number of questions in relation to their proposal. SIMS indicated that it cannot address our questions until such time as funding is clarified.