$200 million twin city vision to transform Hobart to Glenorchy rail corridor

A NEW blueprint for urban development along Hobart’s northern suburbs rail corridor envisages new public spaces, shopping and restaurant strips, housing developments and stops linked by a light rail system.

An artist’s impression of the view north towards the station, cycleway and proposed Wrights Avenue infill development. Pictures: GHD

A $200 million blueprint to transform urban development along Hobart’s northern suburbs rail corridor includes new public spaces, modern housing and shopping and restaurant strips linked by a light rail system.

The Glenorchy to Hobart Public Transport Corridor Project is the result of a partnership between the two city councils and will be considered by the Hobart City Council planning committee on Tuesday and the full Council later this month.

The report proposes new “key precincts” for more intensive urban, commercial and community development at New Town, Albert Rd, Derwent Park Rd, Glenorchy Central, Berridale and Claremont.

Looking west at the station upon leaving MONA, towards the new civic space and hotel.

The new precincts are focused in areas within 400m of the existing rail corridor and are linked with future light rail stops.

The study was commissioned after the State Government outlined its position that a light rail would not be economically viable unless there was increased development to boost population along the rail corridor.

The report by consultants GHD outlines the potential for development and includes economic and demographic analysis and consultation with investors and the real estate industry.

The plan has been costed at $200 million, which would come from both the private sector and government.

Looking west along Albert Road, towards Main Road, with its new high street with eateries.

The report is the latest phase in the long-running discussion about a light rail linking Hobart, Glenorchy and beyond.

It follows a State Government decision not to back a light rail in the short to medium term on the basis that more work needed to be done to analyse how urban development along the rail corridor could support a light rail.

But the Government has pledged to keep the rail corridor intact to allow for light rail in the future.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said the State Government would need to take the lead if light rail was to become a reality. The concept was given a significant boost when Mona unveiled its vision for Macquarie Point before Christmas, which included a light rail system.

Looking north from the New Town station towards the hockey fields and civic space featuring the heritage chimney.

Hobart City Council general manger Nick Heath said the report would be handed to the State Government and council would recommend it become part of any future City Deal with the Federal Government.

What happens with the report at the Glenorchy end will be up to new commissioner Sue Smith, following Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein’s suspension of the council.

ReachTEL polling for the Mercury in November showed strong support for light rail, with 62.2 per cent of Denison residents in favour.

The proposed rail route and possible developments at each station.