The state government says its committed to the 450-lot development in Glenorchy

Demolition is underway on the site of the Hobart showground redevelopment. But what’s happening with the 450 homes earmarked for the site? Details.

Plans of the proposed redevelopment of the Hobart show grounds. Picture: Supplied

A major mixed housing development for the Northern Suburbs is on the backburner amid cost increases for the Hobart Showground redevelopment.

However the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) and the state government say they remain committed to the plan to build 450 homes on showground land.

News of the delay comes as demolition takes place at the Royal Hobart Show site.

The animal sheds and smaller grandstands are gone, with demolition of the main grandstand nearing completion.

Built around the 1970s to host the Inter Dominion harness racing championship, the main grandstand has hosted generations of Tasmanians enjoying racing, the show and other events.

In place of the grandstand will be a new all-in-one show pavilion.

The U-shaped building will encompass all the animal sheds and an arena with seating for 1500.

The building will also house commercial tenants and hospitality venues, with the precinct to host events year-round.

Royal Hobart Show 2008, cattle up for auction at the show

This year and next year’s Royal Hobart Show are due to be held at the Regatta grounds, with plans for the show to return to its revamped home in 2025.

RAST CEO Scott Gadd said there were mixed emotions around the demolition of the old animal sheds, which had hosted agricultural events for more than 100 years.

“On one hand it’s a little bit sad because there was a lot of history there, but on the other hand all those older buildings were impossible to maintain and very difficult to use. I’m quite excited about a brand new shiny facility and what we can leverage with that,” he said.

Mercury Archive File Picture, Historical October 1948 Royal Hobart Show Judging Day, young cattle handler Donald (Don) Healey leading his cattle exhibit, Negative Number 4515/7

Mr Gadd said RAST had hoped to begin preliminary works on the housing development while the showground redevelopment was underway.

However the increased cost of construction had caused the budget of stage three to blow out by around $13m.

The rebuild of the showground itself including the new had initially been costed around $25m

“We were going to try to do everything at once. Now this needs to be finished,” Mr Gadd said.

RAST will move ahead with the transfer of land to public housing body Homes Tasmania.

Housing and Construction Minister Nic Street said the state government was committed to the housing project.

“The Hobart Showgrounds redevelopment will deliver more than 450 homes in a highly accessible location, close to employment, education and commercial centres, and with easy access to public and active transport networks,” Mr Street said.

“The Rockliff Liberal Government is investing $42.15 million to support the redevelopment, and in return Homes Tasmania will receive land for construction of 150 affordable and social houses for Tasmanians in need.

“We acknowledge the changes to the project and cost escalations RAST are experiencing and we will continue to work with them to progress the project.”