New report to look into social, environmental and economic impact of building heights in Hobart

Hobart City Council is set to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new report into the social, environmental and economic impact any proposed height restrictions would have on the city.

65 Murray St is 45 metres high. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

THE Hobart City Council will spend up to $50,000 on a report into the social, environmental and economic impact any proposed building height restrictions would have on the city.

The council will request quotations from three consultants to undertake the project.

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The scope of the project requires the following matters to be addressed regarding building heights:
SOCIAL matters that affect people or communities such as access to employment, housing, affordable housing.
ENVIRONMENTAL matters arising from the form and density of development in central Hobart in relation to energy, transport and walkability.
ECONOMIC matters relating to land value, potential economic yield.
VISITOR accommodation and its future supply.

The project will also seek to learn if underused sites in central Hobart have the potential to accommodate future housing and development needs within the current height standards.

Last December, the council rejected a 45m cap on building heights in zone 1 of the CBD.

Architect Leigh Woolley completed an $80,000 review on Hobart building heights last year. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Alderman Marti Zucco, who last year led the push for the report, said the intent was to provide the council with the tools to make a proper assessment on what effect building heights would have on the city.

Ald Zucco’s push for the report followed the release of an $80,000 review by architect Leigh Woolley.

Mr Woolley urged the use of building height restrictions to preserve lines of sight around the city, for example views of kunanyi/Mt Wellington from the waterfront.

Aldermen Marti Zucco and Peter Sexton at an open Hobart City Council meeting to discuss building heights. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“It is far better to have experts in their field provide what economic, social and environmental aspects any height limit changes would cause to the city rather than it be a lobby group or elected representatives making assumptions,” he said.

“We can’t move forward with assumptions, we need to move forward on facts.”

Council documents say the maximum budget of the project will be $50,000 and can be partially funded from the 2018-2019 budget allocation for the planning policy function.

A further budget allocation will need to be made in the 2019-2020 financial year to cover the shortfall.

The new report is expected to be completed by July 30.

The planning committee will vote on the brief of the report on Monday.

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