Bellerive Derwent Ferry terminal upgrade expected to boost passenger numbers

A $5m upgrade of the Derwent Ferry terminal at Bellerive is projected to boost patronage of the service – and the design will be replicated at other facilities planned along the river. Check out the plans.

Concept design of the upgraded Bellerive Derwent Ferry terminal. The design is set to be replicated across all new terminals planned along the river. Picture: Supplied

The Derwent Ferry terminal at Bellerive is set to receive a $5m makeover, with the state government expecting the upgrade will boost patronage of the service.

A planning application for the new all-weather facilities has been lodged with the Clarence City Council.

It’s understood the design will be replicated across the six new terminals proposed for Sandy Bay, Wilkinsons Point, Lindisfarne, Regatta Point, Geilston Bay, and Kingston Beach as the government prepares to expand Hobart’s public transport offering.

Concept design of the upgraded Bellerive Derwent Ferry terminal. The design is set to be replicated across all new terminals planned along the river. Picture: Supplied

The Department of State Growth is proposing to upgrade the existing terminal at Bellerive by building a new pier, foreshore wharf, walkway ramp, and floating pontoon for boarding and waiting, as well as bicycle parking and storage facilities.

No new carparking spaces will be built as part of the proposal.

According to a report prepared for the department by Red Seal Urban and Regional Planning, the new terminal will make catching the ferry a more accessible and enjoyable experience.

Concept design of the upgraded Bellerive Derwent Ferry terminal. The design is set to be replicated across all new terminals planned along the river. Picture: Supplied

“Improving accessibility to and from the ferry increases the diversity of passengers and increases the number of users able to take advantage of the transport option, with improved access, traffic circulation, and pedestrian movement in the area,” the report said.

“The improved pedestrian flow will enhance Bellerive Village as the focal point of the area and boost economic activity from pedestrians walking past.”

Launched in 2021, the ferry service currently attracts more than 500 passengers commuting between the Eastern Shore and Brooke St Pier every day.

Concept design of the upgraded Bellerive Derwent Ferry terminal. The design is set to be replicated across all new terminals planned along the river. Picture: Supplied

The state government has pledged $40m to upgrade the Bellerive facilities and operate the service for the long-term, as well as develop infrastructure to support the planned expansion. Federal Labor, meanwhile, has promised $20m for the overall project.

Currently, ferries dock parallel to the fixed wharf at Bellerive, which results in accessibility issues for passengers getting on and off during tidal changes.

Concept design of the upgraded Bellerive Derwent Ferry terminal. The design is set to be replicated across all new terminals planned along the river. Picture: Supplied

The replacement pontoon – located 17m off the wharf – would be an enclosed space with a sheltered passenger floor level “consistent with the ferry for safer boarding”, the planning report said.

The new floating pontoon would be 22.5m long, while the terminal area would be 6m wide and have a 7.5m wide roof.

The walkway, meanwhile, would be covered by a 4.2m high roof.

Concept design of the upgraded Bellerive Derwent Ferry terminal. The design is set to be replicated across all new terminals planned along the river. Picture: Supplied

Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the government’s $5m investment will “set the bar by enhancing the overall commuter experience and encouraging more Tasmanians to hop on board”.

“The River Derwent Ferry service has quickly become a popular choice for commuters and our government is excited to be supporting its continued growth,” he said.