Neighbouring apartment complexes to be voted on by Hobart City Council

Hundreds of objections have been received for two apartment complexes on one of Hobart’s main thoroughfares. One looks likely to be given the tick of approval ahead of a council vote >>

TWO neighbouring residential apartment complexes proposed for Hobart's inner city will be voted on by council next week – with one recommended for approval and the other recommended for refusal.

Both located on Sandy Bay Rd across from St David’s Park, the project recommended for refusal by Hobart City Council planning officers was proposed by the Fragrance Group.

The Singaporean developers lodged a development application for the former site of the University of Tasmania’s Conservatorium of Music for 55 apartments, plus a ground floor cafe, parking for 88 cars, a communal pool and gym.

Artists impressions of the proposed development to replace the Conservatorium of Music on Sandy Bay Road, Hobart by the Fragrance Group. Design: SCANLAN ARCHITECTS

Designed by Perth-based Scanlan Architects, the complex would be made up of two main structures connected by a podium.

The tallest section would be 10 storeys, with a maximum height of about 33m while the second structure would be seven storeys and about 22m high.

The planning scheme allows for a maximum height of 10m for the site.

Apartment complex proposed by the Fragrance Group as viewed when looking down Sandy Bay Road. Design: SCANLAN ARCHITECTS

The council received 352 representations from the public which opposed the development and one which supported it.

Comments against the project included:

“Decisions on such proposals should not be made while height standards are being reviewed.”

“The colour and finish would be at complete odds with local sandstone buildings.”

“High rise developments like these impact on the liveability of cities.”

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“Hobart is in serious danger of losing damaging its heritage appeal for visitors.”

“Developers like Fragrance have no connection to Hobart and their relationship with its heritage and its arts culture. They continue to propose inappropriate development substantially outside the height limits of what has been stipulated for the city.”

“The Conservatorium of Music building should be heritage-listed and not demolished.”

The council officer’s report stated the developers were told of the concerns about the height and compatibility of the proposal, but they “wished to proceed with the proposal in its current form.”

The Fragrance Group’s proposal would feature two towers, on 22m in height, the other 33m at its tallest point. Design: SCANLAN ARCHITECTS

“The design of the development is well considered and has a number of positive attributes, with high density residential accommodation presenting an appropriate fit in terms of use for this location,” the officers wrote.

“The scale of the smaller apartment tower is considered to present an appropriate transition to the surrounding built form and ultimately a building of compatible scale in this location.

“The proposed height of the larger apartment tower, however, was viewed as being incongruous and out of the step of the rhythm of the distinct pocket of the Sandy Bay Rd streetscape.”

Proposed residential apartment development for 9 Sandy Bay Rd, Hobart by developers Moda. Design: ROOM 11

Meanwhile, directly next door a proposal for a 28-unit luxury apartment complex has been recommended for approval subject to conditions.

The first Tasmanian project for Melbourne-based developers Moda, working with local architecture firm Room 11, is expected to be valued around $18-$20 million.

At it’s highest point, the building would be 18m, with the bulk of the building fronting Sandy Bay Rd sitting at 15m high.

Some of the luxury apartments at 9 Sandy Bay Rd would have views over the River Derwent. Design: ROOM 11

As it moves away from Sandy Bay Rd towards Wilmot St, the building scales down towards the existing residential properties.

The council received 209 public representations objecting to the building, but officers found the scale of the development was appropriate.

The Moda apartment building has been recommended for approval by council planning officers. Design: ROOM 11

“In particular, its transition in height to nearby residential properties is reasonably consistent with the relevant urban design elements of the planning scheme,” the council report stated.

Both projects will be decided on at the council’s next meeting on Monday night.