The Hobart showgrounds project will feature 450 new homes for Glenorchy

Plans for a “virtually new and modern suburb” including 450 new homes are set to redefine the area as a destination and place to live. DETAILS + PLANS >>

• Royal Hobart Showgrounds appoints architect for redevelopment
• Labor says Hobart showground project needs a kickstart

THE Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania has welcomed bipartisan support for a major redevelopment of the Hobart Showground that would deliver up to 450 new homes.

The Liberals announced on Tuesday that if they were re-elected at the May 1 state election, they would provide $42 million towards the plan for the Glenorchy facility.

It means the project has the backing of both major parties after Labor pledged support in a COVID-19 recovery package outlined last June.

A concept design for the housing development at the Hobart Showgrounds. The Liberals have promised $42 million to get the project going. The project will feature 450 homes.

Society chief executive Scott Gadd said the project would reinvigorate the showground and redefine Hobart’s northern suburbs as a destination and place to live.

“It is virtually a new and modern suburb within the northern suburbs,” he said.

Mr Gadd said the $235 million project would include new showground facilities, a mix of accommodation, an emergency centre for times of natural disaster and a new visitor centre showcasing Tasmanian agriculture, food and wine.

He said the project would go to the development application stage within weeks.

$42m promise for huge housing project

THE Liberals have promised to fund the first stage of a major housing development at the Hobart Showgrounds, paving the way for hundreds of new homes to be built.

A re-elected Liberal government will provide $42.15 million for the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania’s multimillion-dollar plan to build 450 homes at the showgrounds site in Glenorchy.

The announcement means both major parties have committed to the project after Labor pledged support in a COVID-19 recovery package released last June.

Labor had called on the Liberals to find funds for the development in the November state budget.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the showgrounds renewal would support about 400 local jobs during construction over the next three years including up to 80 apprentices.

“It’s part of our strong plan to secure Tasmania’s future, creating local jobs, backing business and adding to our strong pipeline of housing,” Mr Gutwein said.

“The construction of 450 new homes, including 150 social and affordable homes, will further ease housing stress in the South, as part of our record investment into housing. It’s a win for local businesses and the community, and if a majority Liberal government is re-elected, we will deliver it.”

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: Rob Burnett

Scott Gadd. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania CEO Scott Gadd welcomed the Liberals’ funding commitment.

“This is excellent news as it will provide much needed housing, including a range of social and affordable housing, in an area where it is most needed. It will also provide the catalyst for the reinvigoration of the Royal Hobart Show, the Hobart Showground and the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania,” Mr Gadd said.

The draft masterplan for the 12ha site includes a new visitor centre and emergency centre for people and animals in times of natural disaster.

The Agricultural Society has taken a lead role in highlighting Hobart’s housing crisis after the showgrounds provided shelter to homeless people living in tents.