Hobart’s CBD is set for a major transformation, with the green light given to a $40 million development project on Liverpool Street.
The Hobart City Council unanimously approved plans to demolish the former Spotlight store and construct a new 12-storey office building in its place at a planning meeting on Wednesday night.
The development will include a basement level carpark for 28 vehicles, ground-floor entry spaces, end-of-trip facilities for office workers and a potential retail tenancy.
The remaining floors will be dedicated to office spaces and include rooftop landscaped areas on levels three and four.
Acting Lord Mayor Dr Zelinda Sherlock said the development represents a “substantial investment” in the CBD’s future.
“It will not only provide much-needed office space but also contribute to the vibrancy and economic growth of our city,” she said.
Developer Techne Invest Director Matt O’Halloran said the company is “delighted” to have the council’s endorsement for their “vision”.
“The approach to planning and design has been open and collaborative with Council and it will deliver a terrific architectural addition to the city,” he said.
“The development will add approximately 15,000sqm of prime grade office space to the undersupplied market, inclusive of strong sustainability principles and great pedestrian links along the Rivulet Walk to Centrepoint and Victoria Street.”
The planning application received nearly 200 objections, with most citing concerns over its height, many of which were submitted through the ‘Hobart not Highrise’ website.
Alderman Marti Zucco said the surrounding landscape, paired with the design of building, meant it did not appear as tall as it actually was – 47 metres.
“If this building was being built at the corner up the hill it would be a completely different kettle of fish,” he said.
“This will make this corner a very prominent corner for this city and will be one of our iconic buildings in the city.”
The tower is the latest large-scale development to be approved by the council and joins a long list of others awaiting construction.
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