Accord named as potential partner for the Precinct
The City of Victor Harbor is negotiating delivery of the highly anticipated Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct (the Precinct) with South Australian developer and fund manager, Accord.
At the negotiating table: City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins CEO Victoria MacKirdy with Accord’s Managing Director Lachy Hogarth (right) and Director Sam Morris (left).
Accord, established in Adelaide in 2015, is well-equipped with a proven track record to assist Council achieve its vision for the Precinct. The proposed collaboration between the Council and Accord provides an innovative solution to deliver important facilities that will help support growth, enhance liveability and support positive wellbeing outcomes for the Victor Harbor community.
The announcement comes as negotiations between Accord and the City of Victor Harbor focus on the operating model for the sport and recreation facility within the Precinct.
“Exploring this partnership highlights the Council’s commitment to sustainably delivering strategic infrastructure projects that aim to serve our growing community now and into the future,” said City of Victor Harbor Mayor, Dr Moira Jenkins.
“By partnering with Accord we have an opportunity to deliver a transformative project that will provide our community with much-needed facilities without the whole financial burden being placed on our ratepayers.”
“Through this approach the Council can leverage the strengths and capabilities of Accord to deliver a mix of important community facilities that otherwise would be unaffordable.”
“While we are still negotiating the terms of the partnership with Accord, this announcement aims to provide the community with a level of comfort that the Council is engaging with a well-qualified, community-focused proponent who aligns with our values and vision.”
Managing Director, Lachy Hogarth said Accord is excited about the opportunity to partner with the City of Victor Harbor to bring this project to life.
“The Precinct represents a significant investment in the region’s future, creating a space where sport, recreation and community can come together,” said Mr Hogarth.
“Accord’s focus is on delivering a high-quality, sustainable development that will provide lasting benefits for the Victor Harbor community. This project will not only deliver essential facilities but also stimulate local economic growth and attract more families to the area.
“We believe in creating places that foster connection, wellbeing and opportunity. The Precinct will be more than just a collection of buildings – it will be a vibrant hub that meets the evolving needs of the community, now and into the future.”
The proposed partnership focuses on addressing pressing regional needs through the delivery of the Precinct development which includes a multi-purpose sport and recreation facility, childcare centre, community spaces, a hospitality offering and retail opportunities.
City of Victor Harbor CEO Victoria MacKirdy said the Proponent announcement comes as work gets underway on the detailed design for the cornerstone of the Precinct, the sport and recreation facility.
“It is important to commence detailed design of the sport and recreation facility now to get us into a favourable position to secure grant funding for the project,” said Ms MacKirdy.
“A reference group of stakeholder representatives is coming together to work with the project team to provide input into the detailed design and ensure the facility is fit for purpose and meets community needs.”
Negotiations between the project partners are currently focused on the operating model for the Precinct, and a final decision to proceed with the project is expected to be made following the completion of this due diligence in the coming months.