Architect says Fragrance Group’s midtown twin towers development ‘will activate the street’
THE architect behind an $80 million Hobart development says fears it will dramatically change the cityscape are unfounded.
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THE architect behind an $80 million Hobart development says fears it will dramatically change the cityscape are unfounded.
Western Australia-based architect Laurie Scanlan is responsible for Fragrance Group’s proposed 12 and 13-storey twin towers in Hobart’s midtown. They would house 91 apartments, a 214-room hotel and underground parking for nearly 200 cars.
The development, currently open for comment, is being opposed by conservationists and the community group Hobart Not Highrise, which argue the buildings are not appropriate in a heritage precinct.
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In Hobart to discuss the project with council planning staff and an urban development assessment panel made up of architects and town planners, Mr Scanlan said he was aware there was concern from aldermen and the Hobart community about the height of the buildings.
However, he hopes discussion can move beyond that.
“I don’t believe that what we are proposing is going to ruin the landscape,” he said..
“We believe what we develop will activate the street and bring a quality of lifestyle to that area.”
However, Hobart Not Highrise convener Brian Corr says the community is angry about the towers.
“The development site includes a number of buildings that are on the Tasmanian Heritage Register. There are EPA issues. There are Aboriginal-heritage issues. The proposed towers would block sunlight, overshadow and dominate adjoining buildings, are not in keeping with the surrounding area, and would result in the loss of significant heritage values,” Mr Corr said.
“Why can’t Fragrance stay within the planning scheme? Do they think that the rules don’t apply to them?”
The planning scheme for the fringe CBD area sets height limits at 11.5m.
“We have legal people going through the development application matching it with the planning scheme for the area,” Mr Corr said.
He said once that work was finished, the group would make its submission to council.
“We have until July 12. It’s longer than normal because the Environment Protection Authority is involved.”
The development application has been referred to the EPA because of the amount of excavation that will be required for the carpark.
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