Prince of Wales Hotel: Plan to demolish venue for apartment complex cautiously welcomed

A proposal to replace a Hobart hotel with an apartment and townhouse complex has been welcomed by a group of local housing advocates – with some caveats.

YIMBY Hobart spokespeople Susan Wallace and Lachlan Rule at Sandy Bay. Picture: Chris Kidd

A proposal to demolish a Battery Point hotel to make way for a new apartment complex has been cautiously welcomed by a group of local housing advocates, who say any new homes will take “pressure off the market”.

The Sunday Tasmanian revealed that the owners of the Prince of Wales Hotel on Hampden Rd had lodged plans with the Hobart City Council to tear down the existing venue so they can build 13 apartments and four townhouses, as well as a basement car park, a bar and cafe, and a retail space.

They say the development would “breathe new life” into the historic suburb and provide “much-needed” new housing options for Hobart.

Artist's impression of plans to knock down Prince of Wales Hotel in Battery Point and build 13 apartments, 4 townhouses, landscaped courtyard, basement car park, bar and cafe, and retail space in its place. Picture: Supplied

YIMBY Hobart spokeswoman Susan Wallace said the mooted new complex would be “close to services and … walkable to the city”.

“New housing stock is welcome as it takes pressure off the market,” she said.

Ms Wallace said the Hampden Rd development could create options for “downsizers” and therefore free up more large homes for local families, which would “increase their bargaining power”.

“That said, diversity is important – Hobart should be a city for people at all ages and stages, of all means and abilities,” she said.

“At the moment there are few affordable options close to the CBD.

“YIMBY Hobart would like to see requirements for new developments over a certain size to include a share of affordable housing, similar to Westminster City in the UK, and many other cities around the world.”

Ms Wallace also questioned whether the Battery Point dwellings would ultimately serve as housing or be “used for Airbnb”.

The Mercury understands the Battery Point Community Association will assess the project before determining a formal position on the matter.

Artist's impression of plans to knock down Prince of Wales Hotel in Battery Point and build 13 apartments, 4 townhouses, landscaped courtyard, basement car park, bar and cafe, and retail space in its place. Picture: Supplied

The first Prince of Wales Hotel was constructed in 1843 and later demolished in 1967, replaced by the current red brick building, which has eleven guest rooms, an 80-seat restaurant, and a bar.

Its owners are Incat managing director Craig Clifford, Pure Foods Tasmania boss Michael Cooper, Tasmanian Shipping Supplies chief Richard Fader, and Rob Wilkins of Wilkins Construction.

“Our goal is to create a vibrant new residential community in the heart of the Battery Point village that complements the existing dwellings in the area. These apartments and townhouses will offer exceptional living spaces in one of Hobart’s most sought-after locations,” they said in a joint statement.