Hobart City Council will have the chance to approve more than 100 new dwellings in the city via two development applications

Two developments to go before Hobart City Council will add more than 100 much-needed dwellings to the capital city, if approved.

Development Application for a proposed residential apartment at 125 Bathurst Street, Hobart. SUPPLIED — Atelier Cartel Architects.

TWO developments to go before the Hobart City Council tomorrow will add more than 100 apartments in the city, if approved.

The council’s planning committee has recommended approval of both resubmitted proposals: one for Burnett St in North Hobart, and the other for Bathurst St in the city.

Qapital Investments director Quinten Villanueva is behind plans for the $9 million 10-storey apartment block in Bathurst St. It will feature 33 dwellings with two retail spaces.

Mr Villanueva said the internal layout and the removal of glazing were the main changes in the new design.

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There were 31 submissions made about the Bathurst St development during the public consultation period, with 24 in favour and seven against.

“This highlights the community support for projects like this,” he said.

Mr Villanueva said the planning committee decision showed the right level of awareness from the councillors and aldermen about Hobart’s housing situation.

Artist’s impression of a new 10-storey, 33 unit apartment block in Bathurst St, Hobart.

The Burnett St proposal is for a four-storey residential and visitor accommodation development that includes 70 apartments — down from 89 in the original application — and space for a cafe, bar or restaurant.

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A total of 13 serviced apartments would be available for visitors, with the remaining 57 planned for residents.

The site was formerly home to Donald Gorringe Reconditioning and Spare Parts, a motor repair centre and machining workshop, which has since moved to 302 Argyle St.

The development arrives as North Hobart businesses and residents are calling for additional parking spaces in the area to deal with an influx of people who visit the restaurant strip on Elizabeth St.

“One of those things people need to understand is that any additional supply in the housing market will have a big impact on affordability and rents,” Mr Villanueva.

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“This is the classic example of supply and demand. Where supply is restricted the demand keeps on growing.”

Aldermen Jeff Briscoe and Simon Behrakis voted in favour of approval at the committee meeting last week and both believed the projects met planning requirements and should be approved tomorrow.

Hobart has been in the grip of a housing crisis for more than 12 months. The latest data from Rent.com.au showed Hobart median rent prices jumped 19 per cent last year, up to $425 a week in December 2018.

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