Mona’s Motown hotel punt proves a winner with the locals

Community members have thrown their support behind plans to build a $400 million hotel and casino development at Mona.

COMMUNITY members have thrown their support behind David Walsh’s plans to build a $400 million hotel and casino development at Mona.

On Wednesday, Mona revealed its plans to create a five-star, 176-room hotel and 1600-seat conference centre at its Berriedale site. The development application is before the Glenorchy City Council.

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The announcement has been met with excitement by Tasmanians, including key Hobart figures who see the construction as a huge boost for the state.

Mona has submitted a development application for a $400 million, five-star, 176-room hotel. Picture: SUPPLIED

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, who is working with all tiers of government to introduce a City Deal before the end of the year, said development of a luxury hotel at Mona would strengthen the appeal of Hobart’s northern suburbs, particularly for young people.

“We are on the cusp of a City Deal which will pin the four greater Hobart councils together to work closely on a number of important topics, one of which being further development at Mona and within that area,” she said.

“The best way for greater Hobart to develop, in that context, is to see a major development added to Mona and for the Glenorchy area to continue to have economic development.

“Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston and I agree that if we’re going to tackle the state’s housing crisis then we need to acknowledge that it’s not just a matter of considering high-rise buildings in the CBD, but to look at it with a view of activating affordable areas with potential.”

The hotel plan includes a 1075-seat theatre. Picture: SUPPLIED

Ald Johnston said following the announcement of Mona’s Motown hotel she welcomed any development proposal in the city.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said Tasmania should start preparing for what Mr Walsh’s latest development application might create for the state.

“When Mona first opened, we didn’t prepare for what was to come,” he said.

“Now with this exciting proposal before us we can already see what it will lead to and we can start getting ready.

“With the inclusion of a premium conference centre, the hotel could become the premiere venue for business events in the country. By drawing more people to Tasmania, this project would have a flow-on effect, opening up other areas of development across the state.”

Inside Mona’s proposed $400 million, five star, 176-room hotel. Picture: SUPPLIED

Despite plans for the hotel beginning 10 years ago, uncertainty remains on how it will be paid for, with Mr Walsh claiming the $400 million needed for the project isn’t an amount he has “on him right now”.

He has approached the State Government to act as a guarantor for the project, but a deal has not yet been struck.

If the Government did guarantee a loan it would make it the state’s largest such commitment, potentially dwarfing the $29 million guarantee given to Nyrstar in 2015.

Minister for State Growth Peter Gutwein on Thursday revealed the Government was working through funding plans.

“Mona have made a request for some support from the Government associated with their exciting new Motown development which includes significant arts, cultural and tourist facilities which will provide significant benefit to the state,” he said.

“The Department of State Growth, with some assistance from Treasury, is undertaking a due diligence assessment of the project prior to any decision being made regarding Government support.”

A community information session will be held at the museum on Monday at 6pm.

From left, Rohan Dale, 17, of Lenah Valley, Simon Modrijan, of Glenorchy, Michael Park, of Glenorchy and Robbie Moles, of Goodwood. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

The hotel proposal was given the thumbs up by the locals on Thursday.

Roahn Dale, 17, of Lenah Valley, said: “The tourism would be good for Tasmania. As long as it brings in a good amount of revenue I think it would be a great installation for us.”

Simon Modrijan, of Glenorchy, said: “It’s good to see things moving on and going forward in Hobart. I’m glad the ‘Slow-bart’ of old is keeping up with the rest of the country.”

Michael Park, of Glenorchy, said: “I think it’s a good thing. I’m particularly pleased by the new potential for a new casino in the state.”

Robbie Moles, of Goodwood, said: “The design is possibly a bit much for Hobart, but if it brings the tourists in I think it will be brilliant.”