Eco-resort plan to transform Eastern Shore bush block

A development presented as environmentally responsible and worth up to $50 million is being proposed on Hobart’s Eastern Shore.

Aran Development Pty Ltd’s Tasmanian representative Sommai Kelly at the site of the proposed eco-resort in Risdon Vale. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

A DEVELOPMENT presented as environmentally responsible and worth up to $50 million is being proposed on Hobart’s Eastern Shore.

Thai developer Aran Development Pty Ltd has revealed plans for its first project in Tasmania on a bush block in Risdon Vale.

The long-term vision for the 102ha property includes a 150-room resort with a restaurant, family holiday cabins, public walking and cycle tracks and a vineyard.

With views to Hobart, the River Derwent and kunanyi/Mt Wellington, the proposed hotel would feature two-storey buildings in four wings.

The project’s Tasmanian representative Sommai Kelly said the developers were prepared to spend up to $50 million on the development.

“It’s going to be huge for the area,” she said.

Project architect Keith Drew, of Xsquared Architects, said the design of the development would be environmentally responsible, with work planned to rehabilitate the existing vegetation.

Project architect Keith Drew, of Xsquared Architects.

Mr Drew said rubbish including car bodies had been dumped on the site over the years.

“The council made it clear to the proponent that if they wanted this to be supported they had to really do all their homework and find out all the impacts and how they will mitigate them,” he said.

“There’s already been a detailed site survey, a scientific study of the existing flora and fauna, and an aboriginal heritage study.”

A public information session was held at the Risdon Vale Primary School recently.

“We want to give people an opportunity at quite an early stage to look at what’s proposed — we’re prepared to take on board any concerns,” Mr Drew said.

Risdon Vale Neighbourhood Centre manager Ann Harrison said it was hoped the development could help stimulate the local economy and provide jobs.

“It’s hard to say how locals will react to the proposal,” she said. “That area is where all the hoons go and do burn outs so if this is built up there that will hopefully put a stop to all that.”

Tasmanian land use planning consultancy ERA Planning is finalising an application to the Clarence City Council for an amendment to the planning scheme.

The application is expected to be lodged next month before designs begin on the project’s buildings, Mr Drew said.