EOI – Hunter Warbirds Facility and Warbirds Over Scone Event
Upper Hunter Shire Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitable operators to:
- Lease the Hunter Warbirds facility and operate it as either the existing Warbirds tourist attraction or propose an alternative commercial use.
2. Operate the Warbirds over Scone (WoS) event independently or alongside the lease of the facility.
Operators are welcome to submit EOIs for either or both opportunities. Council is open to receiving proposals from one operator managing both the facility and the event or from separate operators for each.
Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 4:00pm on Friday, 14 February 2025.
Facility Overview
- Hunter Warbirds facility consists of:
- Hangar space: Approximately 4300 m²
- Public terminal space
- Gift shop and Visitor Information Centre
- Café (currently under sublease)
- Function room and kitchen
- Public amenities
An agreement is currently in place for private aircraft to be housed in the hangar free of charge as visitor attractions. The operator can establish a pricing model for public access to the hangar and sub-let or hire out the function room as part of their business model.
Physical Spaces Included in the Lease
- Public Terminal Space: Included but must remain open to the public
- Café: Included as sublease; income goes to the lessee
- Hangar: Included in the lease with the option to charge tourist access fees to recover operational costs
- Amenities: Included and must remain open to the public
- Function Room and Kitchen: Included, can be sublet or hired out
- Gift Shop and Visitor Centre: Included but space must be allocated for Visitor Information Centre materials
Physical Spaces NOT Included in the Lease
- Airport Controller Office: Not for lease – Council retains access at zero cost
Operator Responsibilities
- Cleaning of the entire facility
- Routine repairs and maintenance, including flight simulators
- Utilities (water usage, electricity and gas)
- Staffing and operational cost
- Outdoor garden and facility maintenance
Council Responsibilities
- Property rates
- Insurance
- Major building structure replacements and/or improvements (as agreed between the landlord and lessee)
Submitting Your Expression of Interest
Click the link below to submit your EOI.
EOI Form
Deadline: EOIs must be submitted by 4:00pm on Friday, 14 February 2025.
For further details or to arrange an inspection of the facility, please contact:
abrennan@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
02 6540 1100