The Kangaroo Bay Hotel project has been given a second chance after being granted ‘major project’ status by Tasmania’s Planning Minister, Felix Ellis.
This means the project will be assessed by an independent panel, bypassing the Clarence City Council, which wants the land returned to public ownership.
The $65 million proposal by Chinese developer Chambroad involves building a 155-room five-star boutique hotel on the waterfront looking towards Hobart.
The project was initially approved by the council with a plan for a hotel and hospitality school, but the developer couldn’t secure an education provider and dropped that part of the plan.
The council then decided to buy back the land, but that decision is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court by Chambroad.
Minister Ellis believes the project has the potential for significant economic benefits for the region.
“The proposal sets out that 100 full-time equivalent jobs will be created for the hotel’s construction alone, adding to the continued pipeline of work for our tradies,” he said.
“This development will have a direct impact on the region’s economy, with forecast visitor expenditure growth of $500 million over 10 years.”
While the ‘major project’ designation doesn’t guarantee approval, it does give the project a chance to be assessed by a panel appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
The panel will develop draft criteria for public consultation, giving the community several opportunities to have their say on the proposed development.
“Developments like the Kangaroo Bay Hotel are driving forces for economic growth, job creation and progress,” Ellis said.
In October, Kangaroo Bay Project Manager Greg Hudson said declaring the project a major one would be the only way to move forward.
“An ordinary DA (development application) would be voted down by politically motivated councillors,” he said.
“The Kangaroo Bay Hotel project will be extremely beneficial to all eastern shore residents by creating better facilities and services for the southern region and for visitors to the Tasmanian hospitality and tourism industry.”
“It is ready to build, so let’s just get on and build it.”
