Final countdown to decision on contentious $55M Tasman Private Hospital proposal

The City of Hobart will make a call on the future of the contentious Tasman Private Hospital on Monday evening. Read the expert recommendation >>

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HOBARTIANS remain divided over a new proposed hospital development which could see a new multimillion-dollar medical facility built to the detriment of neighbouring properties.

Nexus Hospitals and Contact Group aim to build the new $55 million Tasman Private Hospital at the site of the former WIN TV studios on New Town Road.

3D diagrams produced by the Hobart City Council of the proposed Tasman Private Hospital

However the development application did not win over the City of Hobart’s Urban Design Advisory Panel, who said it should be refused on height grounds.

The proposal will now go before the council for a final decision on Monday.

Spokesman for nearby New Town residents, Glenn Woodfall, said they were not opposed to the hospital itself, but its height and scale.

“We have reached out to the developer multiple times to try to resolve problems with the height and scale. These problems could easily be fixed by simply excavating the site to depth that makes the building compliant,” he said.

“We think that many of these problems could be resolved with a friendly and open conversation, like you would have with any neighbour over the fence.”

On August 13, Nexus Hospitals CEO Andrew Petering said he was confident the new design was fully compliant within the required performance criteria.

Master Builders Tasmania executive director Matthew Pollock said if the project was rejected by the council on Monday, it would be a new low blow to the industry, economy, and the community.

“We’ve seen more than $1 billion in major projects postponed due to COVID-19 in the past few months. If this project is killed off by council, it will cost jobs,” he said.

“I urge the council, on behalf of the 6000 business and 20,000 workers which make up the building and construction industry, to use their discretion and approve this development application.”

Stephen Walker artwork proposed for Nexus Hospitals development in New Town

He said he understood considerable concessions were made to the design of the development based on the refusal of the previous development application.

“It is perplexing that the planning subcommittee would still be recommending the refusal of the development on height grounds,” he said.

Australian Institute of Architects Tasmanian Chapter president Shamus Mulcahy wanted to reaffirm the importance of the expert advice provided by the council’s advisory panel when assessing applications.

“The community wants sensitive design and planning processes we can trust,” he said.

“It is vital the expert opinion of the committee is not ignored.”

Building and Construction Minister Elise Archer said the government would like to see any project that provides significant investment and jobs into the state go ahead — particularly if that investment is into our health system.

The council meeting will take place from 5pm.

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