Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds says medium density housing could be key to growing pains

Well-planned medium density housing could be the key to easing Hobart’s growing pains, the mayor says. Here’s why it might be the best option for Hobart.

The Rox on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Bathurst Street in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Hobart’s Lord Mayor says well-planned medium density housing could be the key to meeting the demands of the growing city, an option she says is increasing sought after.

The state government has asked for feedback from the council on its draft guidelines for how to improve residential standards in Tasmania.

The guidelines mentions the need for a higher standard of medium density residential developments, particularly in Hobart.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said medium density housing was increasing sought after in Hobart.

“A lot of medium density developments are in more established parts of Hobart, the parts people are keen to live because they’ve got great parks and great schools,” she said.

“They want to live close to family, where they grew up but can’t afford a single style dwelling.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds at Town Hall. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ms Reynolds said attitudes were changing toward medium density housing.

“I think people sometimes think medium density are these soulless towers with tiny balconies and lifts that don’t work, that’s certainly not where it needs to be,” she said.

“If you have well designed medium density housing it can be a good option for people.

“We’re keen to see developments that fit in with what’s already here … We’ve got to create infrastructure that matches a growing city.”

She said there were several examples of medium density housing that had been done well in Hobart.

“I really love the Homes Tasmania development that runs between Goulburn Street and Bathurst Street … it’s been beautifully designed and the inside apartments have been really well considered,” she said.

“That is a social housing project.

“In terms of a more commercial one, everyone loves The Rox because it’s nicely designed, it’s won a number of awards.”

Inside one of The Rox apartments in Hobart. Picture: Supplied

Ms Reynolds said the council was seeing more proposals for medium density developments come in.

“It’s important to note 30 per cent of our new dwellings actually are these medium density developments,” she said.

“In the last few years we approved quite a number of medium density projects, some of those we’re still waiting to see them built.

“There are 650 apartments we’ve approved which aren’t yet built, which is disappointing, they’re across 20 different projects, mostly in the inner city – North Hobart area.

“We’re trying to understand the barriers to them being built, part of it is high interest rates.

“It’s important we keep the momentum around this style of housing and try to encourage developers.”

Originally published as Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds says medium density housing could be key to growing pains