First look at New Town shopping precinct million dollar upgrades
Glimpses into the second phase of upgrades for a shopping precinct in New Town have been released by the council. SEE THE DESIGNS
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THE first glimpse into the second stage of upgrades to the New Town shopping strip has been released by the City of Hobart on Thursday.
The council launched the $1.5m second phase of upgrades to the area after nearly three years of delays due to Covid.
“The second stage of the New Town Retail Precinct Upgrade will see local public transport improved with a new, high quality public bus shelter and a pocket park with green space and seating in front of the Salvation Army complex,” Lord Mayor Councillor Anna Reynolds said.
“Two more pedestrian crossings will be added to New Town Rd, making the precinct safer for everyone.
“The project will also create a space that opens up new possibilities for local communities and businesses through pop-up events, markets and other activities.”
The upgrades to New Town’s retail area was majorly funded through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program with addition support coming from the Vulnerable Road User Program.
Hobart’s City Mobility Portfolio Chair Ryan Posselt is excited about the accessibility of the upgrades.
“A high-quality, disability compliant bus shelter and two more pedestrian crossings help to promote alternatives to jumping in the car and adding more traffic to our roads,” he said.
“Having two additional crossings hopefully that increases footfall and increases business activity as well as making it accessible to the broader community.
“Problems with mobility at all road crossings have been raised throughout the city of Hobart and is something that we’re working to address, the addition of cut curbs or raise zebra crossings to enable people who have accessibility problems, but also, kids, people with prams and strollers is something that we’re working towards.”
Infrastructure and Transport Federal Assistant Minister and Tasmanian Senator Carol Brown said the improvements would provide safe passenger and pedestrian travel access.
Meanwhile Tasmanian Small Business Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the project would entice more people to spend time and money within the New Town area.
“Works that are reasonably simple in concept, such as installing pedestrian refuges to make crossing streets safer, can make a real difference to the safety of our streetscapes and help give our shopping precincts a new life,” she said.
Green light for New Town social housing
New social housing units in New Town have received the green light from the Hobart City Planning Committee, but support for the build wasn’t unanimous, with two Aldermen voting against it.
At the site at 73a New Town Road will be 22 one and two-bedroom units at the former site of an old tennis club.
A three storey apartment complex will include 11 one-bedroom units on the ground floor and 11 two-bedroom units across the second and third floors.
The two existing tennis courts will be demolished, along with the clubhouse.
The plans also include 12 car spaces, 2 motorcycles spaces and bike parking.
The application was lodged by CentaCare Evolve Housing, which would manage the homes and the land and the state government.
The proposal was recommended for approval by the council’s planning officers.
On Wednesday, the planning committee heard deputations from two community members about the proposal.
Nearby resident Paul Jacobs said those who lived in the area had several concerns.
“The development, we consider, is too large and will have unnecessary and material and negative impacts on heritage, density, parking traffic, acoustic, privacy, light interruption and shadowing,” he said.
“While we acknowledge community housing projects should be looked at sympathetically, the issues associated with the current plans, we believe, justify its refusal.
CentaCare Evolve Housing CEO Ben Wilson said there was significant demand for units in New Town.
“When we put forward proposals such as this we look at the demand data and requirement in particular regions … in the New Town area there is a demand currently sitting there for some 270 one-bedroom units in the new Town area alone and 140 two-bedroom units,” Mr Wilson said.
“There is a significant demand for three and four bedroom units as well.
“We believe this development will go a small way to addressing the housing situation in Tasmania.”
Mr Wilson said the development was a small drop compared to demand for the suburb.
“It’s a fantastic suburb for us to be developing, where we are close to services, where we are close to transportation, and our tenants will love the opportunity to be a part of that community.”
The application was supported by all except councillors Louise Elliot and John Kelly.
“I think the density is too great for that site considering the neighbourhood that surrounds it,” Ms Elliot said.
“I actually feel that this isn’t a great development for the neighbours nor the residents
the lack of open space is really low, its considerably low of what it would be, I would say, if it was a private development and I don’t think that bodes well for the liveability of the site.”
Ald Simon Behrakis said there were different requirements for social housing applications.
“I think it would be safe to say we have a significant social need … last I checked the latest numbers on the housing waitlist was just shy of 4400” Mr Behrakis said.
“These homes, these units will be going to people on general or priority waiting lists.”
How elected members voted:
For
Zelinda Sherlock
Ryan Posselt
Ben Lohberger
Louise Bloomfield
Mike Dutta
Bill Harvey
Helen Burnet
Simon Behrakis
Against
Louise Elliot
John Kelly
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