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The City of New Orleans’ Industrial Development Board has authorized issuance of a request for proposals to developers interested in redeveloping the former Six Flags theme park in eastern New Orleans.
The board also authorized city officials to engage an auctioneer to sell the rides remaining at the park if a new developer does not plan to reopen the site as an amusement park. Bids for the RFP are being accepted until Oct. 10. RFP Proposal NO: 2132-01177 is available on the City of New Orleans purchasing website, www.purchasing.cityofno.com.
A site tour for interested parties is scheduled on September 13, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the site of the former Six Flags. This will be the only opportunity for interested parties to visit the site prior to the RFP deadline.
The RFP lists several suggestions for redeveloping the site, including an amusement park, a water park, a back lot for the growing New Orleans film industry, a family entertainment venue, a commercial/retail space or other appropriate use.
The park was heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, and Six Flags officials abandoned any plans to reopen operations. In the years since the storm, a number of developers have come forward with proposals, but no solid plan for redevelopment materialized.
The property consists of 65 acres of developed land and 86 acres of undeveloped land, located at municipal address 12301 Lake Forest Blvd. in New Orleans East. Because the site enjoys excellent road access and great visibility from Interstate 10 (I-10), it is ideal for a variety of commercial developments, either retail or entertainment oriented, or both. The theme park currently has 20 total rides, including 4 roller coasters and 2 water rides, and other building structures. Respondents have the option of using some or all of the existing infrastructure (i.e., the rides and buildings) in the proposed redevelopment of the site or having the rides and buildings removed by the City. Utilities (electric/water/sewer) and more than 1000 parking spots (125 acres) are available to the site.
Interested parties may submit applications for redevelopment immediately for the City’s review, up until the October 10th deadline. After the initial deadline, up to five respondents will be invited to submit more detailed information and respond to questions from a selection panel consisting of city officials. Public hearings may also be conducted to aid in the final selection process. Selection criteria can be found in the RFP document.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the New Orleans Business Alliance at [email protected] for more information.
