Kensington Park in New Norfolk could be sold to Homes Tasmania for housing

A Southern Tasmanian sporting ground could be sold to the state government to make way for housing, a move which could be “strategic” for the council. Find out why.

Kensington Park. Google Maps.

A 9.3 hectare sporting ground in New Norfolk, which has been used for horse riding, could be sold to the state government to make way for housing.

Kensington Park could be sold to Homes Tasmania, which is hoping to acquire the land to build social and affordable housing and to create with residential lots to put on the market.

The Derwent Valley Council will vote on Thursday on whether it supports the sale of the park; the decision would only flag the council’s intention to sell and public opinion would be surveyed before a final decision was made.

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In a report to assist elected members, council officers recommended the sale be supported.

“While Kensington Park is a strategic asset of Council, in that it is a significant portion of land which would be available for future development, it is not a revenue-generating asset,” a council officer said in the report.

“Given the nature of the development on the site and the condition of buildings, it extremely unlikely that it would be capable of reasonable revenue-generation without significant investment.”

The park is zoned as recreation and while some sporting activities have been relocated to other grounds, equestrian activities have continued at the site.

“In July 2023, the stewards tower was significantly damaged by fire and has since been

demolished. The remainder of the buildings on site are generally in poor condition,” the report said.

“Licences for food business for the Derwent Valley Pony Club and Derwent Valley Horse Riders Association are currently in place for this financial year.”

Horseback archer at Kensington Park. Picture: PATRICK GEE

The council officer said the other sporting facilities were sufficient.

“While such a large space lends itself to the development of sporting facilities or a residential

subdivision, the Derwent Valley already enjoys the provision of significant sporting facilities at

the New Norfolk Sports Centre, Tynwald Park and Boyer Oval,” they said.

“It should also be recognised that there are significant other recreation demands within the community other than active sports.”

It was also noted the state government had the power to compulsorily acquire the land.

The report considered the possibility of the council developing the land for residential purposes itself, but said it wasn’t viable because it could compromise the council’s financial position.

Originally published as Kensington Park in New Norfolk could be sold to Homes Tasmania for housing