Prince of Wales Hotel: Battery Point venue set for demolition as owners plan housing development
A group of property developers are pledging to “bring new life” to a historic Hobart suburb by building a new apartment complex and commercial space and demolishing a “much-loved” hotel.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The long-running Prince of Wales Hotel at Battery Point is set to be demolished and replaced with apartments and commercial space as the proponents predict the development will “breathe new life” into the historic suburb.
The owners of the hotel include Incat managing director Craig Clifford, Pure Foods Tasmania boss Michael Cooper, Tasmanian Shipping Supplies chief Richard Fader, and Rob Wilkins of Wilkins Construction.
The Sunday Tasmanian can exclusively reveal the plans for the site, which the developers say have been “years in the making”.
In place of the old hotel at 55 Hampden Rd, a new complex would be built featuring 13 apartments, four townhouses, a landscaped courtyard, a basement car park, a bar and cafe, and a retail space.
The first incarnation of the Prince of Wales Hotel was constructed in 1843 and later demolished in 1967 to make way for the current red brick building, which has eleven guest rooms, an 80-seat restaurant, and a bar.
The plan to demolish the existing building is likely to attract opposition from some Battery Point locals.
In a joint statement, the four business identities who own the site said they believed the development would both enhance the area and provide “much-needed” new housing options for Hobart.
“Our goal is to create a vibrant new residential community in the heart of the Battery Point village that complements the existing dwellings in the area. These apartments and townhouses will offer exceptional living spaces in one of Hobart’s most sought-after locations,” they said.
“All apartments will provide maximum access to natural light with private sunny balconies, along with views of the Hobart CBD, the River Derwent, and Mount Wellington. We want to ensure that this is a development that Battery Point residents can get behind and be proud to have in their neighbourhood.”
The developers said the new structure would require the demolition of the Prince of Wales Hotel and its ground-level car park.
“The Prince of Wales Hotel has been a much-loved establishment in Hobart for decades and while it will be sad to see it go, it’s time to reinvigorate the site and bring something new to the community,” they said.
“We’re excited about the potential of this project to breathe new life into Battery Point. This development will not only provide beautiful new homes but also contribute to the vibrant community atmosphere that makes Battery Point so special.”
A development application for the Hampden Rd complex has been lodged with the Hobart City Council.
Costings and a timeline for the project are yet to be determined but the developers say it will involve “significant investment”.
More Coverage
Originally published as Prince of Wales Hotel: Battery Point venue set for demolition as owners plan housing development
Join the conversation
‘Everyone’s at peace now’: Tassie WWII airman’s final resting place found
What happened to Harley Joseph Williams has been a mystery since WWII after he and his RAAF crew members were reported missing. But last year, the plane wreckage was found.
Read more
Council boss eyes ‘efficiencies’ in bid to head off future rate rises
The Hobart City Council will launch a series of sweeping service reviews later this year as it looks to identify “efficiencies” in a bid to lessen the likelihood of rate hikes in the future.
Read more