Hobart City Council officers say Fragrance Group plans should be refused on heritage grounds

It is home to a stunning mosaic but now 5-7 Sandy Bay Rd sits idle. Read the latest in plans for the building.

HCC Officers recommend amended development plan for 5 Sandy Bay Rd be rejected. Picture: Caroline Tan

Plans for a multi-million development on the site of the former ABC headquarters and home of the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music building have hit a snag.

The Hobart City Council’s planning authority committee will consider a planning application by the Singapore-based Fragrance Group for the development at 5-7 Sandy Bay Rd.

The building is home to a famous giant mosaic which is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.

However, council officers have recommended the application be refused because it involves demolition of a building that is of historic and cultural heritage significance.

In 2020, the council approved Fragrance Group’s plans for an up-market 45-unit apartment block on the site after it reduced the height from 33m to 27m.

It is believed that development was put on hold due to Covid and the rising costs of building materials.

The Old Conservatorium of Music at 5-7 Sandy Bay Road. Artists impressions showing the reduction in height by approximately 6.2m, from 33.2m to approximately 27m. The red dotted line shows the previously proposed height. Design: IRENEINC PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN

Fragrance is now seeking planning approval for demolition, alterations, extensions, a café, visitor accommodation for 75 serviced apartments and 12 multiple dwellings.

The council says when the planning application was advertised in March and April this year, two representations were made about the development.

“One of these representations is in support of the proposal whilst the other does not oppose the development but raises concerns primarily concerning construction impacts in relation to noise and traffic,” officers wrote.

“The proposal is recommended for refusal based on one ground regarding the demolition of a building in a heritage precinct.”

It said the proposed demolition of 8a Healthfield Avenue, which is on the site, “will result in the loss of a building that contributes to the historic cultural heritage significance of the Hampden Road Heritage Precinct”.

Artist impressions of plans to redevelop 5 Sandy Bay Rd – formerly the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music – into 75 visitor apartments. Picture: Scanlan Architects

On a brighter note, council officers say the proposed height of the new development is “generally seen as a positive given it is reduced from the previously approved development and now aligns with the retained conservatorium building”.

But they say the design in relation to the café could be improved and that landscaping should be improved, particularly in relation to the planting of trees in townhouse courtyards.

5-7 Sandy Bay Rd once was headquarters to ABC TV in Tasmania and was then bought by the University of Tasmania for the home of the Conservatorium of Music.

Fragrance bought the building, which is opposite St David’s park, in 2017.

George Davis, the late father of actor Essie Davis created the giant mosaic which is made up of 150,000 glass tiles.

Ms Davis said when the building was sold to Fragrance: “The mural is incredible in its conception and sophistication.”

She was concerned at the fate of the mural and relieved to learn it was protected through a permanent listing on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.

Artist impressions of plans to redevelop 5 Sandy Bay Rd – formerly the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music – into 75 luxury apartments. Picture: Scanlan Architects

Originally published as Hobart City Council officers say Fragrance Group plans should be refused on heritage grounds