Developers are hoping to gain approval from the Hobart City Council for their plans to build a new 12-storey commercial office building in the CBD, which they say will address low vacancy rates and accommodate a projected increase in workers.
The proposed tower at 174 Liverpool Street would create approximately 15,000sqm of net lettable area, a small chunk of the estimated additional 382,000sqm of floor space needed by 2041 under the Hobart Central Plan.
According to the architectural statement, the project has been designed to be considerate of the existing two to three-level heritage buildings throughout the area while contributing to the growing number of contemporary structures in Hobart.
“The proposal is a 12-storey commercial building that is both elegant and engaging,” the 830-page planning application reads.
“174 Liverpool Street provides a contextual and holistic design approach, which delivers a contemporary, yet sensitive response urban connectivity, sustainability and design quality unite to contribute to the delivery of the five city shaping goals envisaged for the City of Hobart.”
The architectural statement says the brickwork will complement neighbouring buildings and the extensive use of glazing ensures the natural light expected in modern workspaces.
“All design decisions for this building have been made to create a building that visually associates into the existing streetscape and engages with the community,” it reads.
“Considerations for the heritage significance of the neighbouring structures have been key to design of the brickwork podium base of this building, with inclusion of a modern design to the tower.”
The tower will include landscaped terraces on the third and fourth levels, a cafe and a laneway-style connection linking Rivulet Walk to Liverpool Street.
It will also include a prominent entry point from Liverpool Street, end-of-trip bicycle facilities and showers and vehicle access from Victoria Street down to basement level parking with 28 spaces.
