Ball in council’s court for DEC plans

Glenorchy City Council’s planning authority has voted on draft changes to a $200 million waterfront sports, retail and entertainment precinct at Wilkinsons Point.

Artists’ impressions for the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

THE process for planning scheme amendments that would enable a $200 million waterfront sports, retail and entertainment precinct in Glenorchy has begun.

The Glenorchy City Council’s planning authority voted on Monday night to initiate changes to the planning scheme relating to the Wilkinsons Point area.

The $200m development proposed by National Basketball League boss Larry Kestelman’s LK Group is expected to also pave the way for a Tasmanian team.

The council voted to create a draft amendment to the planning scheme to include a new specific area plan for Wilkinsons Point.

Artist impression of the redeveloped Derwent Entertainment Centre.

If ultimately approved by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, new discretionary uses allowed at the site would include visitor accommodation, hotel use, food services, childcare, retail, community gardens, business and professional uses and commuter transit services.

According to council documents, the Wilkinsons Point Specific Area Plan is intended to provide for a state NBL team training and performance facility, supported by a range of active recreation, hotel accommodation, sports, retail and food services “whilst retaining public access for passive recreation and community events.”

The plan is also intended to create a “vibrant and engaging district that prioritises pedestrian movement and activity through designed landscaped areas, integrated infrastructure and connectivity within the site.”

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A park and ride facility plus infrastructure for sustainable transport modes has also been flagged.

The Mercury reported in October that student accommodation was being considered as a late addition to the precinct, but this idea has since been dropped by the LK Group.

Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston said the changes would be open for public comment, before being sent to the Planning Commission.

“We are very keen to see community feedback on it,” she said.