Developer condemns ‘racism’ from opponents after council knockback

The proponent of a $30 million Hobart development is considering its next move, labelling the project’s rejection “a missed opportunity” and attacking “disheartening” race comments.

THE backers of a proposed $30 million apartment development on the site of the Welcome Stranger hotel say they will consider their next move after council rejected their development application.

Project spokesman said Quinten Villanueva said he was frustrated by the council’s decision.

“We feel that it is a missed opportunity for Hobart in the greater community and we certainly felt that the development proposal that was put forward was something that would have great benefit to the community,” he said.

“We’re going to have an internal conversation over the next few days and decide what is next.

“There are commercial realities around this project that have to be realised and that’s something we’re going to have to consider.”

Welcome Stranger redevelopment spokesman Quinten Villanueva.

Hobart City Council on Monday night voted 7-4 to block the plan for a 13-storey apartment on the corner of Davey and Harrington streets.

The decision was in line with the council’s planning committee recommendation that the project be rejected based on advice from planning officers because it did not meet heritage elements of the planning scheme.

An artist’s impression of the proposed Welcome Stranger development.

Mr Villanueva condemned comments from some objectors who referred to the nationalities of the proponents.

The Mercury has seen comments from one resident who criticised the developers for being “mostly from China and Mexico”

“It’s really disappointing and it’s disheartening,” he said.

“Racism and that kind of xenophobia has no place in our community and for the people that suggested that I wasn’t from here: I’m born and raised here. I’ve been here all my life.”

An artist’s impression of the proposed Welcome Stranger development.

Mr Villanueva said it was odd that much of the council’s Urban Design Advisory panel’s feedback on the project had referenced the Leigh Woolley report into building heights.

“That’s not in the scheme at the moment. So we find it really difficult and it seems to be a consistent theme where people are referencing the Leigh Woolley report when it’s not in the scheme and it’s not fact and law.”

Alderman Marti Zucco condemned the racial comments made during the debate.

“Racism is not on, in any circumstances,” he said.

“I for one who has been directly subjected to racism am not going to tolerate racists and in particular those that seek support from racists and racist groups.”

He called on Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds to condemn the use of racist language.

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”