Fragrance Group submits revised designs for Hobart apartment project after concerns about building height

A proposed 33m-high apartment complex in the Hobart CBD initially saw community and council opposition but now the developers have lodged revised plans. SEE THE NEW DESIGNS >>

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THE developer of a proposed new residential apartment complex in the Hobart CBD has submitted revised designs after community and council concerns about its height.

Earlier this year, Singaporean developers Fragrance Group submitted a development application for 55 apartments at the former site of the University of Tasmania’s Conservatorium of Music on Sandy Bay Rd, across from St David’s Park.

The tallest section of the building was 10 storeys with a maximum height of 33m, with 352 representations from the public opposing the plan.

It was recommended for refusal at a Hobart City Council meeting in May, but the item was deferred for further consultation.

Now, Fragrance Group has submitted revised plans, which would reduce the maximum height by 6.2m, from 33.2m to 27m.

The Old Conservatory of Music at 5-7 Sandy Bay Road. Development Application (DA) artists impressions showing the reduction in height by approximately 6.2m, from 33.2m to approximately 27m. The red dotted line shows the previously proposed height.

According to designs by Perth-based Scanlan Architects, the height reduction has been achieved by the removal of two central floors, but an upper house level penthouse has been retained, on level 7.

This would reduce the number of apartments to 45. No other change to the planned development has been proposed.

Hobart Not Highrise president Brian Corr welcomed the revised plans, including the building height reduction.

“Hobart Not Highrise is pleased to see that the height has been reduced by over six metres, in line with the Urban Design Advisory Panel’s advice, and highlighted by Hobart Not Highrise when this development first came to Council,’’ he said.

“This shows how well the current system can work and that there’s no need for Major Projects legislation to take these decisions away from council.”

Brian Corr, president of Hobart Not Highrise. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

The planning scheme allows for a maximum height of 10m for the site, but elected members can use their discretion to approve greater heights.

The council officer’s report to the May meeting stated the developers were told about concerns about the height and compatibility of the proposal, but wished to proceed with the proposal in its current form.

The development involves the demolition of the former Conservatorium of Music building, and the new complex would be made up of two structures connected by a podium.

The plans are being advertised for public comment for two weeks, until August 10.

Fragrance Group and Scanlan Architects were contacted for comment.

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