Stage one of Devonport’s Living City project complete

STAGE one of Devonport’s bold revitalisation project is complete with a striking new civic building up and open for business.

Acting Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff after official opening of paranaple centre. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

STAGE one of Devonport’s bold city revitalisation project is complete with a striking new civic building up and open for business.

The Living City project is transforming the northwest city and attention will now turn to the next stage — a waterfront precinct boasting a new $35 million hotel.

The new paranaple centre was officially opened today as the Devonport City Council celebrated the completion of the project’s $71.1 million first stage.

The centre houses a state-of-the-art library, Service Tasmania, a cafe, Devonport Online and Devonport City Council offices.

It also boasts an 800-seat conference centre which hosted its first major event two weeks ago, a multi-level car park and a food pavilion to showcase the region’s premium produce.

In November, the Devonport Art Gallery, Visitor Information Centre and the former Devonport Entertainment Centre will complete the relocation on the adjoining site.

URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT GIVEN ANOTHER LEG UP

Work will then start on the waterfront precinct which will feature a hotel, residential apartments, a riverside park and a potential marina.

“The precinct will connect the city to the water with attractive public space and an expansive viewing platform stretching from the CBD to the edge of the Mersey River, providing an opportunity to view the Spirit of Tasmania ferries,’’ Devonport Acting Mayor Annette Rockliff said.

Nationals senator Steve Martin, acting Mayor of Devonport Annette Rockliff, and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack in Devonport to announce funding for the Living City project in May. Picture: GRANT WELLS

Fairbrother has been selected as the preferred proponent of the $35 million waterfront hotel.

It is expected to take about two years to construct, with site works expected to begin next year.

Premier Will Hodgman.

Cr Rockliff said financial support from the state and federal governments had helped make the project a reality.

The State Government contributed $14 million to stage one as part of its $90 million Northern Cities Development Initiative.

Premier Will Hodgman said the project would not just transform Devonport but have an impact on the whole region.

“The fully completed project is estimated to generate $112 million annually in additional economic output, and provide up to 830 ongoing jobs,” Mr Hodgman said.

In July, Canberra put up $10 million to help with Living City’s next stage.