$200m vision to build rail link between Hobart and Glenorchy wins backing

THE $200 million blueprint to transform urban development along Hobart’s northern suburbs rail corridor could be the catalyst for a greater city council, an alderman says.

Artist’s impression of the Glenorchy Central light rail station. Picture: GHD

THE $200 million blueprint to transform urban development along Hobart’s northern suburbs rail corridor could be the catalyst for a greater city council, an alderman says.

The Hobart City Council’s planning committee last night voted to send the Glenorchy to Hobart Public Transport Corridor Project to a full council meeting on Monday. The committee also recommended public hearings and information sessions be held about the bold proposal.

Last week the Mercury revealed the plan — by consultants GHD and the result of a partnership between the Hobart and Glenorchy councils — included new public spaces, modern housing and shopping and restaurant strips linked by a light rail system.

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The study proposed new “key precincts” for more intensive urban, commercial and community development in the two cities.

Planning committee chairman Alderman Jeff Briscoe said achieving the vision could be the forerunner for the establishment of a greater Hobart council.

“This is the best incentive for a greater Hobart I believe,” Ald Briscoe said.

Ald Anna Reynolds, who was part of the Hobart-Glenorchy steering group, said the council needed to formulate a communication strategy for the project.

“For Hobart there are lots of benefits,” she said.

The committee called for affordable housing be remain a key plank of the proposal.

Ald Eva Ruzicka said property prices usually rose quickly in previous examples of cities implementing light rail corridors and new precincts.

She said the council would have to ensure the affordable housing component of the blueprint remained.

“We have to take a certain type of leadership,” Ald Ruzicka said.

Ald Helen Burnet said the potential to develop areas with affordable housing was exciting.

“This has great potential for the future,” Ald Burnet said.

Ald Bill Harvey said the report was the strongest of many studies and presentations into a rail corridor in Hobart.

“We are getting closer, hopefully, it builds momentum,” he said.

The Hobart, Glenorchy, Kingborough and Clarence councils are expected to get a final report into amalgamation options this month.

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