Devonport City Council has given the green light to a new 35-unit apartment complex that will take over a well-used city car park, removing around 60 public spaces in the CBD.
At Monday night’s meeting, councillors unanimously backed the $12 million four-storey mixed-use development on Edward Street.
Once built, the project will feature seven ground-floor retail spaces and 35 apartments spread across the top three levels.
Mayor Alison Jarman said while the car park was well-loved by locals, the site had greater potential.
“It’s a beloved little car park at the moment, but it needs developing,” she said. “It really is just screaming out to be developed.”
“There are other car parks. There is a multi-storey car park that people are very welcome to use and the first half hour is free.”
Two public submissions were received during the consultation period, both generally supportive but raising concerns about parking and potential impacts on the nearby Presbyterian Church.
Local pastor Nick Rabe said losing the car park could make it harder for older members of the congregation to attend services, especially with no pedestrian crossing on the busy Best Street.
The new building will include retail tenancies ranging from 12.5 to 54 square metres and a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments.
Residents will also have access to a communal rooftop area.
Mayor Jarman said the project fits within council’s broader push to bring more people into the city centre.
“The city is growing. We are going to have more people living here and we do need medium housing density,” she said.
Construction will move ahead once standard approvals are in place.
The existing car park will stay open until building work begins.
