Plans for a floating “unique Tasmanian tourism experience” that will offer people the chance to stay both “perched over the River Derwent and submerged within it” have been submitted to the Hobart City Council.
Built in place of the current Waimea Jetty in Sandy Bay, which the developer says is in a “very poor state of repair” and suffering from “structural damage and failure throughout”, the new and “exclusive” accommodation hotspot aims to provide guests with “a holiday like no other”.
The plans would see the current ageing 1960s-70s jetty off Waimea Avenue on Sandy Bay Road completely destroyed and replaced with a “floating two-storey structure” designed to “enhance the feeling of staying right over – and sleeping submerged in – the water”.
The developer says the idea was initially to build a restaurant or café, but due to limited parking and space, a boutique accommodation concept was chosen.
The above-water construction will be mainly clad in timber, while the below-water component will be made of concrete with a textured surface designed to “attract new marine life” to the area.
The developer intends to float the new structure up the river and design it in a way that “employs building methods that endeavour to meet the challenge of rising sea levels and changing conditions and will be able to operate as a prototype for future development”.
“Rather than simply build a new boathouse on stilts – which would have been the simplest and most cost-effective option – this proposal represents the owners’ desire to invest in local industry and create something that is innovative and environmentally significant,” the planning application said.
“This proposal seeks to replace an existing, dilapidated structure with a thoughtful and considered piece of architecture that can be enjoyed by visitors whilst also standing as a small piece of sustainable design excellence on the River Derwent.”
The proposed structure would include an open-plan space with a sunken lounge area, fold-out bed, dining area, small kitchen and an external deck, with stairs leading to a partially submerged bedroom, bathroom and wardrobe.
On both sides of the entry walkway, two smaller structures housing bathroom facilities, including an over-water sauna and some functional storage space at ground level, would be built.
Circular glazed ‘bubbles’ will be placed throughout to allow guests to see the river.
The proposal is currently out for representation through the Hobart City Council until November 16.
