Prominent Hobart architect says council need to send a strong message to developers

UPDATED: Hobart City Council has deferred a decision on building heights after intervention by the State Government.

The debate over building heights in Hobart’s CBD continues. Picture: AERIAL VISION AUSTRALIA

UPDATED: HOBART City Council has deferred a decision on building heights after sensational intervention by State Planning Minister Roger Jaensch.

The council was on Monday night about to debate whether to adopt a 60m height limit in zone one of the CBD, with height restrictions varying across the city, when Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds read out a letter from Mr Jaensch.

His letter said: “The Hodgman Government shares the view of many Tasmanians that Hobart should not become a city of skyscrapers.

“However we need to ensure there is sensible outcome that takes into account the social, environmental and economic needs of the city.

“We believe the city is best managed through good urban design and careful planning for a growing demand of housing, education, business and tourism.

“I suggest an initial meeting of relevant state government and council representatives as soon as practical to scope this opportunity in more detail.”

MORE:

BLACKMAIL CLAIM HEIGHTENS CITY BUILDING TENSIONS

PROPERTY COUNCIL SLAMS COUNCIL’S HEIGHTS DECISION

COMMITTEE CANS NEW BUILDING HEIGHTS REPORT

REPORT TO LOOK AT IMPACTS OF BUILDING HEIGHTS

RISING TENSIONS IN BUILDING HEIGHT DEBATE

Ald Marti Zucco immediately put forward a motion to defer debate so the mayor and general manager could meet with the minister in a fortnight.

This was carried eight votes to four.

In December last year, the council voted to pursue a $50,000 report into the social, economic and environmental impact of building heights.

This was rejected by the planning committee last week.

Hobart Not Highrise president Brian Corr said the group would contact the Mr Jaensch’s office and hope to be part of any future decision “given that we represent a significant number of Hobart’s residents”.

EARLIER: A RENOWNED Hobart architect has thrown his support behind setting a firm height limit in the capital city ahead of a council meeting debating the subject tonight.

Hunter Developments director Professor Robert Morris-Nunn, who is behind some of Hobart’s notable buildings including the Henry Jones Art Hotel, has written to all the aldermen and councillors expressing his support for a height limit.

“I thought I would personally write to you to express my strong support for Hobart City Council adopting the recommendations of the Leigh Woolley Report, specifically the 60m maximum height limit,” Prof Morris-Nunn wrote.

“I feel it is very important the council gives firm guidelines as to the sort of city that Hobart should become in the future, and although height limits are just one factor in determining the quality of a proposal, approving this recommendation will be an important first step and signal the values which Hobart City Council believes should be upheld.

“As you will know I am a respected multi-award winning architect, and I am very firmly of the belief that one does not need high buildings to create worthwhile outcomes which benefit and reinforce the quality of the city’s character and its appeal.

“You don’t need yet more economic analysis to confirm that this is possible, and what is really needed is a strong signal that inappropriate high-rise developments have no place in our city.”

Professor Robert Morris-Nunn has thrown his support behind a 60m building height limit in the Hobart CBD. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

PORT ARTHUR SCOOPS THE POOL AT TOURISM AWARDS

Prof Morris-Nunn used MACq 01 Hotel, his practice’s latest hotel, which last Friday received the Gold Award for Deluxe Accommodation at the Australian Tourism Awards, as an example of quality, low-rise accommodation.

“[It] is four storeys high and 13.5m tall to its ridge line,” he said.

“Distinctiveness does not mean height. Quite the contrary.”

On Monday night, the council will debate whether to order a $50,000 report into the social, economic and environmental impact of building heights, or to adopt a 60m height limit in zone one of the CBD.