The Hobart City Council has unanimously approved a $35 million mixed-use development on the former WIN Television site in New Town, ending years of uncertainty for the long-vacant block.
The multi-storey complex at 48–52 New Town Road will include 23 residential apartments, 38 short-stay visitor accommodation units, a cafe, consulting rooms and wellness facilities, including a pool.
Councillors voted in favour at Wednesday night’s planning committee meeting after hearing from the applicant’s planning consultant and a local resident.
“It’s a site that’s been a bit of a scar on Hobart for a long time,” Councillor Bill Harvey said.
“I’m hopeful that the developers can pull it off.”
The site has remained vacant since WIN Television vacated its studios.
The former buildings were demolished in recent years to make way for a private hospital, a proposal that was later abandoned after costs blew out beyond $120 million.
The approved development includes a basement car park for around 70 vehicles – 53 fewer than required under standard planning rules – but councillors accepted the shortfall.
“It’s close to public transport,” Councillor Harvey said. “It’s an easy walk into North Hobart, New Town and the city.”
Councillor Ben Lohberger acknowledged concerns about building height and shading on neighbouring properties but said there will be benefits in redeveloping the site.
“It is an absolute eyesore, that site and it is fantastic to see a development proposal coming forward that includes some housing,” he said.
“While the hospital was a sad loss, this is a residential area and I’m quite happy to see the residential component.”
The development attracted 11 objections and four submissions in support during public consultation.
Residents raised concerns about parking, traffic, overshadowing and the building’s impact on the neighbourhood’s heritage character.
Councillor Louise Elliot said she empathised with nearby residents over parking impacts and encouraged them to seek expanded residential permit zones.
Approval was granted subject to conditions around contaminated land management, requiring detailed plans to be provided before construction can begin.
A planning consultant for the developer told the meeting the application process had taken about a year, starting with an initial pre-lodgement meeting with council.
The development will feature six interconnected buildings with landscaped areas, including a village green and rooftop gardens.
Construction timing has not yet been announced.
