The Opportunity
Council invites Expressions of Interest from not-for-profits and incorporated community organisations or creative organisations interested in leasing 12-16 Peel Street, Collingwood, to activate the space and support the delivery of vital services for the local community.
Set in the heart of Collingwood, 12-16 Peel Street offers a rare chance to lease space in one of Melbourne’s most creative and community‑minded neighbourhoods. Surrounded by independent shops, shared studios, cafés and cultural spaces, the property sits within a well‑established inner‑city network of artists, makers and social organisations.
The space itself is flexible and practical, suited to a range of creative and community uses such as studios, workshops, arts organisations, social enterprises or grassroots initiatives. Its open layout allows occupiers to make the space their own - supporting collaboration, experimentation and public engagement.
Just around the corner from Smith Street, the location is easy to access, well serviced by public transport and closely connected to the CBD and inner‑north. With galleries, performance spaces, community hubs and local venues nearby, this is a place to plug into an active and supportive creative ecosystem.
12-16 Peel Street offers more than just a space, it’s an opportunity to be part of a neighbourhood known for culture, inclusivity and collective energy, and to contribute meaningfully to Yarra’s creative and community life.
The Site
The building situated within Peel Street Park is approximately 131sqm and offers a spacious and bright upstairs open-plan area, two private studios, kitchenette, toilets, air conditioning, accessible ramp entry, projector, and on‑street parking.
Offered in current condition; any tenant-funded upgrades require Council approval and are subject to a Heritage Overlay.
The exterior features a significant public artwork by Wurundjeri artist Ky‑ya Nicholson‑Ward, reflecting Aboriginal identity, local cultural significance, and social justice themes. Find out more at Aboriginal Lives Matter mural by Ky-ya Nicholson Ward | Event, Yarra City
Eligibility
This Expression of Interest is open to all Not-for-Profits and incorporated community organisations and creative organisations operating and delivering or intending to operate and deliver services within the City of Yarra. Applicants must submit a response addressing all evaluation criteria and requirements under this Expression of Interest.
Evaluation Criteria
All submissions will be assessed on the following criteria based on a 100% scale. Each criterion will be evaluated based on how each applicant responds to the questions and supporting documents submitted in the application form.
| Key Points |
Criteria
|
Weighting
|
|
Service to Community
|
The Applicant demonstrates delivery of one or more services that address a current service gap
|
25%
|
|
Community Impact
|
The Applicant demonstrates delivery of one or more services that directly benefit residents of Yarra, and/or community members that are under-represented, marginalised, or at risk
|
25%
|
|
Utilisation and Activation of Site
|
The Applicant demonstrates the capacity to fully utilise and activate the site, or is willing to enter into co-tenancy and/or sub-tenancy arrangements where appropriate to support consistent use of the premises
|
15%
|
|
Financial Capacity
|
The Applicant demonstrates financial capacity to pay the proposed rent
The Applicant demonstrates capacity to meet the financial obligations of operating from the site
|
10%
15%
|
|
Alignment to Council’s Objectives
|
The Applicant demonstrates alignment with Council’s objectives, including the Council Plan and any other relevant Policy or Strategy
|
10%
|
How to Apply
If you are interested in leasing 12-16 Peel Street Collingwood, please complete the following application and submit by the closing date.
Please ensure you have read the detailed Expression of Interest Information Document prior to commencing this application.
Timeline
|
Process
|
Date
|
|
EOI Opens:
|
Monday 18 May 2026 (09:00am)
|
| Site Visit (by appointment only): |
20 May 2026 between 10:00am and 3:00pm
27 May 2026 between 10:00am and 1:00pm
|
| EOI Closes: |
Monday 15 June 2026 (05:00pm)
|
|
Applicants shortlisted and interviews or if required, issue of a request for further information:
|
15-26 June 2026
|
|
Applicants are notified of the outcome pending delegate approval:
|
No later than 3 July 2026
|
|
Outcome Confirmed:
|
Mid July 2026
|
| Lease execution: |
Early August 2026
|
| Handover and Site Occupation: |
Early September 2026
|
Questions?
For further information regarding this EOI process or to arrange a Site inspection please contact:
Georgia Kinna
Property Officer
yarrapropertyservices@yarracity.vic.gov.au
