Council is calling on Expressions of Interest to develop the 16.1-hectare site at 24 and 4 Perc Griffin Way, and 5190 Mitchell Highway, formerly the home of the Highlands Paceway.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said it was the property presented an opportunity to transform the gateway of Orange and give visitors much-needed options, citing a “need for a higher standard of tourist and caravan park [to] cover a gap in the current accommodation offering”.

“This is a high-profile site on the eastern gateway to the city,” he said.

“This EOI process is more than just a land sale, and council will seek commitments on what type of development would be put forward.”

Cr Kidd said council wanted a facility to include, at least, a 200-bed holiday park.

“Council is open to suggestions but we’re leaning towards a tourist site with cabins, large and medium RVs, caravan sites, ensuite sites, amenities, pool, jumping pillow and a skate park, for example,” he said.

MAP: Where is the site?

“Affiliation with nationally-recognised tourist parks or significant experience in the sector will also be a consideration.”

Cr Kidd said council was looking for a star rating of four or above for the accommodation.

Destination NSW released data in March detailing a 24.9 per cent increase in visitors to the region, which proves there is need for this type of accommodation, according to Cr Kidd.

“Our sport tourism opportunities have been growing and with those, comes a real need for varied accommodation,” he said.

Council is seeking expressions of interest to proceed to site development before 5pm on November 19.

Please contact Orange City Council at council@orange.nsw.gov.au for an information pack.