UTAS Sandy Bay campus could be used for housing in future, consultation process hears

The University of Tasmania’s move to the Hobart CBD could see the Sandy Bay campus used for housing developments – but not everyone is happy with the idea.

Early discussions about the future of the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus have identified opportunities for housing developments on the site – but not everyone is thrilled by the idea.

The first stage of a four-phase UTAS consultation process, which ran from July 21 to August 22, saw 398 people participate in face-to-face conversations, focus group discussions, open house events, and submit responses via the Reimagine Sandy Bay website.

The university is relocating to the city, where it will stretch across five precincts in the Hobart CBD. It’s anticipated the $600 million move will be completed by 2030.

Among the most desired outcomes for the 100 hectare Sandy Bay site identified during consultation were the adaptive re-use of existing campus buildings and the sports precinct, continued public accessibility, protection of the site’s natural assets, and the provision of “diverse” housing options.

“Strongest criticisms received were around the relocation of the campus itself, as well as concern for high density infill development,” a summary of the first consultation phase reads. “Social and attainable housing was a passionate topic, but opinions were divisive among participants.”

The redevelopment of the site will require the university to submit a planning scheme amendment lodgement to the Hobart City Council.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Hobart lord mayor Anna Reynolds said the redevelopment of the Sandy Bay campus site was “a really important opportunity to develop something that is high-quality and consolidates Hobart’s reputation as a sustainable and liveable city”.

“We would like to see a diverse mix of well-designed housing and also sites for economic development with a focus on research, science or innovation,” Ms Reynolds said. “We also support the vision of retaining the bushland and the sporting ovals.”

“We think that the site is more suited to medium density housing, not high density. Any urban renewal project should aim to provide a diversity of housing types so that people on a range of incomes can have an opportunity to be part of the new community.”

A UTAS spokesman said community interest in the redevelopment had been high and “already clear themes have emerged” that would inform the development of guiding principles and eventually a shared vision for the project.

“Careful development of the site will have a range of community benefits for the suburb and the city across education, public amenity and housing,” the spokesman said.

“We encourage anyone interested to get in touch either via the website, at a drop-in session or via an online workshop.”

DEVELOPER’S DELIGHT: What the housing market has planned for UTAS

THE University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus would make a “wonderful location” for housing developments, Peterswald for property director Kim Morgan says.

“It’s a great area,” he said. “If it were to become available for redevelopment, I have no doubt whatsoever that it would be eagerly sought after by people wishing to live in the area.”

“It’s very good real estate.”

Mr Morgan said he didn’t think the history of the site would necessarily add value to any potential housing developments there.

Kim Morgan, real estate agent on UTAS

“I think the fact that it is within a 15 minute walk from the city, within five minutes of the waterfront, (close to) great bus routes, close to schools, (has a) lovely northerly aspect, terrific views – those are the factors that contribute most (to value),” he said.

Mr Morgan said Hobart’s housing market was the most “dynamic” he’d seen it in more than 20 years.

“I think Tasmania’s been on a lot of people’s radar for a very long time,” he said. “And we’d seen a progressive move here from elsewhere interstate. But I think certainly events in the last 18 months have perhaps highlighted that a little bit.”

University of Tasmania Sandy Bay Campus. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

He noted that the property market could be drastically changed by the time any potential housing was to be developed at the UTAS site.

According to realestate.com.au, the median house price in Sandy Bay as at August 30 was $1,278,000.