The CEO of Tipalea Partners, the developers behind the proposed Stony Rise Village shopping centre in Devonport, has expressed disappointment over its recent rejection by the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC).
In an open letter to the community, Scott Spanton said he was “personally devastated” by the decision and questioned the logic of the planning commission’s decision.
“The math is pretty simple. A full line Woolworths or Coles is required for every 8-10,000 people,” he wrote.
“The Greater Devonport catchment services people living in Devonport, Latrobe and parts of Central Coast and already has a population of more than 40,000 people. It could support up to five full line supermarkets.”
Spanton argued that the proposed development would have provided a third supermarket option for the area, alongside the two existing ones that he said are “already significantly overtrading”.
He also dismissed the TPC’s concerns that the Stony Rise location could undermine Devonport’s central business district (CBD), saying it is an existing bulky goods retail centre that attracts shoppers from across the region.
“The CBD is being transformed under the council’s visionary Living City program into a walkable and active environment with diverse retail, employment and entertainment activities,” he said.
“Supporting supermarket-based retail activity at Stony Rise will not undermine Devonport’s CBD.”
Spanton called for a planning system that “works for everyone” and questioned why decisions are being made based on policies that are over a decade old.
“It is wonderful to see both the state opposition and Premier Rockliff question the decision, calling for “common sense to prevail” and for this “much needed” project to proceed,” he said.
“I couldn’t agree more with the Premier’s comments that “it’s not good enough. We cannot allow decisions like this to stand in the way of economic growth, jobs and progress.””
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has vowed to “ensure common sense prevails” after the $40 million development was rejected.
The Premier believes the “much-needed” Stony Rise Village development, which includes a medical centre and supermarket, is crucial for economic growth and job creation.
Speaking at the Liberal Party’s State Council about the controversy over the weekend, Rockliff announced his government’s commitment to cutting red tape.
“It’s not good enough. We cannot allow decisions like this to stand in the way of economic growth, jobs and progress,” he said.
“We will continue to slash red tape and cut through any obstacles that makes doing business harder.”
