Macquarie Point Development Corporation lodges new application with Hobart City Council

A new development application has been lodged for Mac Point to build a pricey section of road.

The next stage of development at Macquarie Point could soon be underway, with an application lodged with Hobart City Council for construction of a $1 million road into the site.

It is the second development application lodged by the Macquarie Point Development Corporation in as many months, after it sought approval for $3 million of remediation works.

Corporation chief executive Mary Massina said the construction of the road was the next major step in opening up the land for development.

“Constructing the road will give us greater access to the site, and help prepare the way for the first parcels of land that will be offered for development on site,’’ she said.

“Lodging the plans to construct the road could only proceed once changes to the planning rules were gazetted and now that this has been achieved, it’s full steam ahead.”

Ms Massina said remediation work at the site was expected to start soon.

State Growth Minister Michael Ferguson at Macquarie Point with Macquarie Point Development CEO Mary Massina. Picture: Luke Bowden.

Earlier last month, it was revealed the Tasmanian Planning Commission had endorsed a revised masterplan for the 9ha site, allowing for preparation works to be done.

State Growth Minister Michael Ferguson said this opened the door for work to attract investors and developers to the site.

Macquarie Point Development Corporation CEO Mary Massina with Matt Ransley of Synergy, following the appointment of a contractor to begin remedial works at the site. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones.

Mr Ferguson said parcels of land could be put on the market as early as next year.

In June, the Hobart City Council passed planning scheme amendments which paved the way for long-awaited development at the site.

The Government had asked the corporation in 2016 to reset its vision for the site.

Under the new plan, the area will be developed to include 50 per cent public space, as well as exhibition, commercial and cultural spaces, accommodation and tourism infrastructure.

Critics have lashed slow progress at the site, including Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin, who last month said it was time to “face facts” that development at the site was years away.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin. Picture: Luke Bowden.

Mr Martin said he estimated that “at best it will be another four or five years before we see any meaningful construction completed on site and doors open.”