A developer has won approval to build 21 studio apartments in Hobart’s New Town, aimed at essential workers and students priced out of Tasmania’s rental market.
The project at 43A Pirie Street received unanimous backing from council this week, with construction expected to be completed within 12 months.
Developer representative Graham Hills, who has worked with the team for 15 years across multiple suburbs, said the self-contained units would appeal to professionals and key workers.
“The proposed development is intended to suit a higher end tenant … it could be professional, corporates or the like, hospital staff, university students,” Hills told the Hobart City Council’s planning committee.
“It could also attract services such as government, contract workers or local workers.”
Each studio will include full kitchen facilities and be marketed to medium- and long-term renters rather than the short-stay market.
The site sits on a separate title to the neighbouring Flint House boarding facility.
Hills said his clients had reached an agreement with Flint House owners to add fencing and fast-growing vegetation along the shared boundary.
He said the project would provide “very adequate accommodation in a much-needed area” as Hobart continues to face a severe shortage of affordable rentals.
