Hobart real estate: Apartment complex proposed for key North Hobart site

The site of a popular locally owned North Hobart business could soon be home to a new apartment complex. See drawings of the proposed building.

Proposed residential apartment complex for 431 Elizabeth St, North Hobart

THE site of a well-loved Hobart business could soon be home to a new apartment complex aimed at bringing more people into the city and providing more housing diversity.

A development application has been lodged with the Hobart City Council for 431 Elizabeth St, North Hobart to build 28 apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, plus one commercial tenancy on the ground floor.

There are plans to redevelop the former Bluegum Hire site into an apartment block.

The developer is listed as 431 Hobart Pty Ltd, a company with an address in Ulladulla, NSW.

The company bought the Elizabeth St property in 2017 from the local Newell family for $1.2 million.

View from Commerical Road of proposed apartment complex for 431 Elizabeth St, North Hobart, which shows surrounding buildings. Graphic: S Group Architects

Russell Newell ran one of Hobart’s most beloved businesses, Blue Gum Service Station and Trailer Hire at the site until February last year when he closed the doors after 32 years.

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He established his Blue Gum Business at the former Moyes Bakery site in 1986 and while finding it difficult to compete on price, customers loved Bluegum’s full driveway service.

The Newell family — Tim, Russell and Mick — sold Blue Gum Service Station last year. Photo: MATT THOMPSON

The trailer business is still currently operating from the site under new ownership.

Business co-owner Adam Burgess said they would look to relocate the business elsewhere if and when the apartment complex is approved.

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The high profile site bordered by three roads is located about 500m from the North Hobart restaurant strip.

Another perspective of proposed residential apartment complex for 431 Elizabeth St, North Hobart. Graphic: S Group Architects

The planning report describes the proposed building as being “a high quality, contemporary built form that reflects the evolving nature of the Elizabeth Street corridor.”

“This locality presents an ideal opportunity for development of this nature, which will bring more people and housing diversity into the city,” the ERA Planning and Environment report states.

The plans are currently advertised for public comment until November 6.