Hobart mayoral candidate Harvey Lennon says the city council should help convert vacant upper floors and underused commercial spaces into inner-city housing.
“Hobart has a housing shortage while parts of existing buildings remain empty or underused or substantial empty spaces lie around them,” Lennon said.
The former Hobart City Mission CEO said most people he had spoken to did not support “really super tall” buildings in the city.
“And I agree with that,” he said. “We need a sensible balance when it comes to building height.”
“But what we should be doing in Hobart is using the many empty spaces above existing buildings – and around them – to deliver more homes in our city.”
His plan includes fast-tracking suitable proposals, making council-owned land available for community housing and developing incentives for inner-city development.
Lennon said each proposal would still need to meet planning, heritage, building safety and accessibility requirements.
“Not every space will be suitable. We need a clear and efficient assessment process, not lower standards,” he said.
He said more city residents would also support local shops, hospitality businesses and services outside office hours.
Lennon said a council he leads would partner with the state government on new incentive programs.
“With council-led incentives and partnering with government, we can encourage investors to build more homes for inner-city living,” he said.
