Council told to ‘remember its job’ as it throws $200m development meeting open to the public

A council planning authority meeting on a $200m apartment complex development will be open to the public.

• Plans open for comment on old Claremont Primary School site
• Concern over “Empress Towers” development at Claremont

GLENORCHY City Council will host an open planning authority meeting tonight due to the public interest in the redevelopment of the former Claremont primary school site.

The meeting will be held at the function centre at Elwick Racecourse to accommodate a larger crowd.

The proposed Windermere Bay Precinct will feature 315 apartments and townhouses, local shops, a cafe, facilities including a gym and pool, and a childcare centre within a parkland setting.

The $200m development, designed by Circa Morris-Nunn Architects, would keep the original heritage-listed school building to be used for community facilities.

An artist’s impression of the proposed redevelopment of the former Claremont Primary School site.

However a group of local residents has expressed opposition to the proposal, likening it to the “Empress Towers” of the suburb – a reference to the controversial Battery Point apartment tower.

Residents who recently gathered at the former primary school site in protest raised concerns about the 26m height of the development and increased traffic.

Residents against the proposed plans for redevelopment of the old Claremont primary school site with balloons at the height of the planned complex. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Federal Clark independent MP Andrew Wilkie was among those to lodge a representation.

“Numerous constituents have raised concerns about the impact of this development on the local area and these deserve consideration,” Mr Wilkie said.

“Given the height and size of the development, residents have reasonable fears that the quiet nature of this part of Claremont will be disrupted. Residents are also concerned the suburb’s infrastructure will not cope with the increase in traffic during construction and when residents move in.

“Moreover, given the proximity to the foreshore reserve, residents fear the development could have a detrimental effect on wildlife, particularly bird habitat. The popular foreshore walking track enjoyed by locals will also be overshadowed and overlooked.

“I urge the Glenorchy City Council to remember its job, which is to listen to the community and not kowtow to big property developers.”

An artist’s impression of the proposed redevelopment of the former Claremont Primary School site.

The run-down site at Cadbury Road has been the subject of different housing development proposals for several years and has remained empty since the school shut in 2011.

It was purchased in 2019 for an undisclosed sum by Chinese-born Hobart businessman Kai Yang.

Anyone wishing to attend tonight’s Glenorchy planning authority meeting must pre-register via the council website by noon today.