Uniting Church Seeks Partner to Reshape Strategic Coburg Precinct

A prominent Coburg property owned by the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) has been released to market, presenting a rare inner north redevelopment opportunity.

The Church has called for proposals to transform its 19–21 Victoria Street site, located a short walk from Coburg Station and Sydney Road.

SEMZ Property Advisory and Project Management is overseeing the process. 

The 3633sq m parcel includes several existing buildings, most notably the architecturally significant 1960s Coburg Uniting Church, which is protected under a Heritage Overlay and must be retained.

The broader site sits within an Activity Centre Zone that encourages intensive mixed-use development, with an indicative 12 level architectural scheme prepared by the Church and subject to council approval (STCA).

▲ Facing south. Twelve-level architectural scheme (STCA) prepared by Konzepte Architecture.

A draft State Government activity centre plan for the precinct suggests the site could support buildings up to 16 storeys in the future. 

In releasing the site, UCA is seeking a project that enhances local amenity and delivers strong financial outcomes, while respecting the historic character of the precinct.

Developers are invited to submit concepts spanning residential, commercial, retail, hotel or community uses.

The architectural scheme prepared by the Church provides one potential model, though proponents are encouraged to put forward alternative ideas. 

SEMZ has outlined a structured Request for Proposal (RFP) process, with submissions required to address project vision, commercial feasibility, financial terms, development staging and demonstrated capability.

▲ Facing south west. Twelve-level architectural scheme (STCA) prepared by Konzepte Architecture.

The RFP will close on February 20, 2026, with evaluation to follow before commencement of term sheet negotiations. 

Developers will gain access to a data room containing architectural studies, planning advice and heritage reports once confidentiality agreements are finalised.

The Church has emphasised that it seeks a development partner committed to timely project delivery and not land-banking.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a centrally located Coburg site while retaining a valued community landmark. 

Proposals must be lodged via SEMZ at CoburgRFP@semz.com.au.

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