Macquarie Point development applications on the way but details remain scant

DEVELOPMENT applications are on the way for Macquarie Point, but details remain scant.

A DEVELOPMENT application for office and commercial space at Macquarie Point is being prepared, the Mercury can reveal, as the State Government develops legislation to clarify planning rules for the site.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein has told the Mercury several DAs are in the works as progress on the site comes under the spotlight.

They include an as yet unrevealed mixed-use building, Mr Gutwein said, and the previously announced extension of the Intercity Cycleway.

“This will open the site to the public 24/7 for the first time since 1850 and provide a convenient and safe passage for cyclists and pedestrians from as far away as Berriedale, to and from the city and Salamanca,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Another DA for a significant mixed-use building will include a variety of office and commercial uses.”

Treasurer Peter Gutwein. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Details of the proposed new building remain scant, along with how the legislation will unlock the estimated $1 billion of development opportunity at Macquarie Point.

Development on the site has been stunted by planning rules preventing projects such as hotels and restaurants being built in proximity to the nearby sewerage treatment plant.

A City Deal being negotiated with the Federal Government is tipped to include cash for a $40 million Antarctic and science precinct on the site.

The Mercury asked Mr Gutwein how the new laws, first flagged last month, would work.

Mona’s Macquarie Point 2050 Vision Rendering: Fender Katsalidis Architects with rush\\wright associates

The Treasurer said draft legislation would be released for community and stakeholder consultation when it was ready.

“It will not override any planning processes and the Hobart City Council will remain as the key decision maker regarding any development applications,” he said.

“The legislation will simply ensure that there is clarity in how the planning rules apply to the site.”

The Macquarie Point Development Corporation has spent $15 million of a $45 million Federal Government allocation on remediating the site.

Opposition infrastructure spokesman David O’Byrne said little had been achieved in the four years since the previous Labor government had secured the funding and begun the clean-up of the site.

“No masterplan, no timelines for development, just spin and propaganda and at least four attempts to relaunch the development project,” Mr O’Byrne said.

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