Central Highlands Tasmania Pty Ltd reveal plans for $20 million Miena Village at the site of the Great Lake Hotel

Plans for a $20 million development in the state’s Central Highlands have been opened for public comment. See what the developers envisage for the site.

An artist’s impression of the proposed redevelopment of the Great Lake Hotel.

A SMALL town in central Tasmania would be home to a $20 million-plus multi-use village under a proposal by the new owners of the popular local pub.

Advertised for the first time today for public comment by the Central Highlands Council is the proposal by Central Highlands Tasmania Pty Ltd to develop the land surrounding the Great Lake Hotel into what would be known as Miena Village.

Designed by Philip Lighton Architects, the five-stage development has already seen the refurbishment of the existing hotel and general store.

An artist’s impression of the proposed redevelopment of the Great Lake Hotel.

The following stages would include:

DEMOLITION of the existing cabin accommodation and construction of new lodges and huts;

A NEW caravan and motorhome park and new camping ground;

FOUR to six new speciality retail outlets, including a bottle shop;

ANIMAL rescue centre for injured native animals and visitor information centre;

DEMOLITION of the existing hotel and construction of a new hotel and general store with petrol station plus a 30-seat cafe area at the front of shop.

The practical completion is predicted to be April 2023.

“The construction of the proposed Miena Village will bring to the municipality many benefits,” the planning report states.

“The development will provide a central destination hub for activities within Great Lake and the surrounding areas and will bring visitors to the area, all contributing financially.”

An artist’s impression of the proposed redevelopment of the Great Lake Hotel.

Former Great Lake Hotel owner Kaylee Hattinger poured her last pint after 15 years at the helm in September.

KAYLEE HATTINGER POWERS ON FOR FIREFIGHTERS

HOTEL OWNER SAYS GOODBYE TO LIFE OF COLD COMFORT

James Johns, managing director of Johns Group Tasmania Pty Ltd – the majority shareholder of Central Highlands Tasmania Pty Ltd – said the developers were “not at all” put off by the current coronavirus pandemic and were looking to push forward with the project.

“Our focus is on what it will look like when all this over,” he said.

“The Central Highlands deserves to have some investment in it.

“We want people to come and experience the harshness of it – we’re not shying away from that.

“While it’s wild and woolly outside, sit inside by the wood fire with a casserole and a glass of red.”

An artist’s impression of the proposed redevelopment of the Great Lake Hotel.

Mr Johns said they were also talking with the State Government about investigations into adventure tourism, such as mountain biking and horse riding trails.

The Miena Village application is open for public comment until April 28.