Allure Norfolk Bay will include 33 cabins overlooking Susan Bay and Connelleys Marsh
A developer wants to build an exclusive waterfront resort on farmland at Primrose Sands. But some locals are not happy.
Tasmania
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A 33-unit development on farmland at Primrose Sands would “meet an identified need for additional tourist infrastructure”, according to an application lodged with Sorell Council.
Developers Allure want to build the cabins and a lodge on the farming property Riverside, which overlooks Susan Bay and Connelleys Marsh.
The development application lodged with Sorell Council council says the project at 297 Primrose Sands Rd will include a central reception/restaurant building, for guests only, a sauna and massage centre for guests only and 33 luxury king-bed villas with maximum two person occupancy.
The property would occupy a 2.7km waterfront strip and would be accessed via Connellys Marsh Rd.
The company behind the project has also proposed an $11m luxury accommodation and restaurant development at Cape Raoul and a smaller-scale retreat at Maingon Bay near Remarkable Cave.
The Cape Raoul development was lodged in 2020 and approved in 2021, but construction has not started.
In relation to the Primrose Sands proposal, the DA lodged with Sorell Council says:
“Allure Norfolk Bay is proposed to be one of three new Allure tourist destinations catering for high-value visitors to Tasmania’s spectacular and largely untapped South East.
“The first of these, located at the entry to the Cape Raoul walking trail, received development approval in 2021 and is now ready for construction. The third is Allure Maingon Bay, which has spectacular views onto Tasman Island and Cape Pillar and is intended to accommodate family gatherings and other small groups of up to 12.
“Allure Norfolk Bay is intended to provide high quality visitor accommodation at a location overlooking magnificent Norfolk Bay and within 40 minutes of Hobart International Airport. It would meet an identified need for additional tourist infrastructure in the area and reinforce the image of the Tasmania’s South East as a high-quality tourist and recreation destination.”
However the proposal has angered some Primrose Sands residents.
There has been animated discussion on the local Facebook page, with some expressing concerns about the development’s impact on a relatively undeveloped coastal location.
“Nothing for the locals except visual eyesores, potential environmental and local impact and the shattering of our peaceful life. We moved here to escape the throngs of people, not be bombarded by them,” one person commented.
Another said: “Absolutely love that beach. Would be such a shame as it’s one of Primrose’s best kept secrets.”
Several commenters did not like the exclusion of locals from the facilities or the potential influx of tourists.
“It’s sad beyond words. Nothing to be had for the locals, just take away our paradise and fill it with tourists who have no respect I’m sure for the environment.”
The development application is open for public comment until March 26.
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