Development application for rum distillery at New Norfolk’s Willow Court approved by Derwent Valley Council

UPDATED: A new business could be operating at New Norfolk’s Willow Court historic site by spring, following council approval of a development application

A RUM distillery could be operating at New Norfolk’s Willow Court historic site by spring, following the approval of a development application at a special meeting of the Derwent Valley Council last night.

In a staged development, former hospital ward Alonnah House will be converted into a distillery, tasting bar and sales area.

A 300 litre micro-distillery will be installed in the $70,000 first stage.

New Norfolk Distillery director and head of distilling, Tarrant Derksen, said he hoped the business would be operating in the spring.

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Project architect Thomas Bailey from Room 11 Architects and New Norfolk Distillery Director Justin Derksen on site of the proposed distillery and cellar door at Willow Court in New Norfolk. Picture: FIONA HARDING

The council was to have considered the application on May 16 but the proposal was delayed until last night.

Councillors Anne Salt and Rachel Power declared conflicts of interest, and the remaining five councillors unanimously agreed with the planning officer’s recommendation of conditional approval for the project.

Some of the conditions attached to the planning permit relate to proposed alterations to the heritage-listed building, including the need for an archaeologist to monitor any works requiring ground disturbance, refusal of the complete removal of a security window and limits on proposed internal demolition work.

“Willow Court has so much potential to be a place that inspires and draws in people to experience New Norfolk,” Mr Derksen said.

“New Norfolk Distillery’s upgrade of the Alonnah building at Willow Court will provide something unique and special through the adaptive re-use of these buildings. We hope it will attract more visitors and jobs to our community and showcase all the region has to offer, including some delicious Tasmanian rum soon,” he said.

Councillors and the public gallery at last night’s Derwent Valley Council meeting. Picture: DAMIAN BESTER

Mr Derksen said the business had started discussions with New Norfolk High School about hospitality training as well as the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry about the potential for apprenticeships. “The reinvigoration of Willow Court has been led by the Agrarian Kitchen and our goal is to build on the great example set by Rodney Dunn and Severine Demanet,” he said.

Mr Derksen said stage one of the project included the construction of a micro-distillery which will employ up to five staff, with future plans to grow the distillery to have around 50 employees once fully operational.

The 1960s building is one of the youngest on the site, which served as a hospital from 1827 until 2000. New Norfolk-based aged care provider Corumbene last week lodged a development application for a $5 million redevelopment of two other buildings at Willow Court, which is expected to go to next month’s council meeting.