click-
http://www.wrestpoint.com.au/webcam/

.

:cool:

Madness little look at Tas
but its offline right now

http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,11182250%255E3462,00.html

Developer ponders drawcard
By DANNY ROSE
26oct04
THE new owner of the former Antarctic Adventure building says it will be filled by "something the people of Hobart and Tasmania like".

But Tasmanian developer Robert Rockefeller said a decision on its future use was still months away.

Mr Rockefeller spoke publicly of the purchase of the cavernous Salamanca Square building for the first time yesterday.

It comes after the State Government's announcement last week that Mr Rockefeller's investment company had lodged the top, and successful, bid for the prime address.

The state-owned site of a former failed tourism venture was sold to Winrock Investments Pty Ltd for $2.4 million.

Mr Rockefeller said yesterday he was in a process of meeting the "key stakeholders" in the Hobart City Council and the precinct's body corporate.

It has been speculated the open-plan building, which has almost 4000 sq m of floor space over two levels, could be used to house a new cafe, restaurant and shops. It already has a small cinema.

Mr Rockefeller said the building offered a "large space" in a "good area" but he remained open to ideas about what to put there.

"We don't have any plans at the present time," he said yesterday.

"It will be a number of months before we do . . . but we will come up with something the people of Hobart and Tasmania like."

Mr Rockefeller also appeared to rule out talk that a fast food chain such as McDonald's could be a tenant in the redeveloped site.

"It's news to me," he said.

Any future use will have to comply with the Sullivans Cove Planning Scheme.

The State Government's move to sell the building on the open market followed a failed restricted-sale process which followed the closure of the poorly performing state-run tourist attraction Antarctic Adventure last year.

why would it be bad to have mcdonalds owning a shop?
wheres the site. in the cbd?
maybe they could divide the block up and sell it to other developers and keep some for themselves and build a decent sized office tower

why would it be bad to have mcdonalds owning a shop?
wheres the site. in the cbd?
maybe they could divide the block up and sell it to other developers and keep some for themselves and build a decent sized office tower

The site is in Salamanca, which is by the Hobart waterfront.
Due to public pressure the Hobart City Council is fairly sensitive about corporate developments there - they only recently allowed a McDonalds in the CBD.

On this map:
http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=61922

See where the Silos Apartments are marked... the row of trees to the left are along Salamanca Place.. just slightly below that (about 1/2 the length of the tree line) you can make out a green oval shape split into 6 sections? That area is Salamanca Square. The square building at the south-west is part of the Antarctic Adventure building - but a lot of that building is partially underground, so not visible on that map, obviously. This also makes building an office tower difficult. Not to mention it is immediately in front of a row of apartments, which would piss off some of them when their view of the harbour is replaced by a building!

http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,11411236%255E3462,00.html


High-rise living tops everything
By HEATHER LOW CHOY
17nov04

FIVE "six-star" penthouses to be built on top of Hobart's tallest building are expected to set property price records.

The double-storey penthouses, which have just been put on the market, are expected to sell for between $2 million and $4 million. Developers Basil and Justin Hetrel say "188 Collins", atop the Commonwealth Government Building, will also set benchmarks for quality in Hobart's property market. Basil Hetrel, a Melbourne-based investor, says he is planning to build the best apartments in Australia. "The views, size, design, quality and finishes are of the highest order," Mr Hetrel said. "No other development in Hobart comes close to what we are going to build here. "I looked in Belle magazine at last year's apartment of the year and I don't think it compares to our apartments at 188 Collins." The five penthouses range in size from 350 to 400 square metres and interiors feature finishes in Tasmanian specialty timbers and stone. Their lofty location provide views of the Derwent, Mt Wellington, Battery Point, Eastern Shore and northern suburbs. Architect Paul Newman said while no expense would be spared building the apartments, they were of a minimalist design. "They are striking enough to take people's interest, but minimalist enough that purchasers can make what they want of them," Mr Newman said. "The space is as suited to contemporary furniture as it is antiques." Mr Hetrel said he expected the most expensive apartment to be the easiest to sell. "The easiest apartment to sell is always the most expensive and best. It's an ego thing," he said. Mr Hetrel's family company Bellala Pty Ltd bought the Commonwealth Government Building at the corner of Collins St and Harrington St four years ago. Mr Hetrel's son Justin, who manages the building, said the top-floor residences will be private. "They will have separate entrances and car parking, and we will be building a new lift on the outside of the building just for the residents," he said. "The commercial and residential occupants will rarely cross paths."

Just wanted to add my bit - I didn't think 188 Collins was anywhere near Hobart's tallest building! The Casino is first, although not in the CBD. I thought the next two were the AMP Building and the Trafalgar Building.

some one told me Trafalgar bldg is Commonwealth Gov bldg. so are the same building?
thats why on ss.com its listed as trafalgar bldg. its 55m/14st. so 3m lower then AMP.
Ill ring architect to get accurate data.
the project sounds cool! what a novel idea.
maybe they think its taller then AMP beacuse it actually is approx 2 storeys higher above se alevel, so it looks higher?
Also the wrest point isnt considered tallest bldg beacuse its 2km from CBD.

some one told me Trafalgar bldg is Commonwealth Gov bldg. so are the same building?
thats why on ss.com its listed as trafalgar bldg. its 55m/14st. so 3m lower then AMP.
Ill ring architect to get accurate data.
the project sounds cool! what a novel idea.
maybe they think its taller then AMP beacuse it actually is approx 2 storeys higher above se alevel, so it looks higher?
Also the wrest point isnt considered tallest bldg beacuse its 2km from CBD.

Trafalgar bldg isn't the same as this one. Trafalgar is 110 Collins St - it has 2 storeys of shops and offices, then levels 3-12 are car park, then level 13, 14 15 are corp offices (Transend, Dept of Justice, LogicaCMG). Due to being mostly carpark, it is entirely likely it could be shorter than a building with slightly fewer floors.

The building in this article is 188 Collins. And yes, 188 Collins is further away from the harbour so it is at a higher land level.

I happened to find this pic I took - taken *from* level 12 of Trafalgar, with the exact building that the article is discussing right in the middle of the pic!

http://chuq.ath.cx/pics/other/buildings-2004-07-15/DCP_3377s.JPG

thanks chuq. yes the architects said there building is higher above sea level then AMP which is further down collins.the article should read highest not tallest building. big difference.
im still waiting for official height.

I don't know how I missed this, a $100 million development comprising several mixed use buildings (the tallest of which will be 'Launcestons tallest building', eight storeys but height not specified), a skybridge supported by 73m pylons.

The site for the development is the C.H. Smith building, one which has been a horrible eyesore for the city but has been ignored by developers due to heritage issues.

So far as height goes, the current tallest structure in Launceston is listed as York Park's lights at 60m.

Here is an article from July and three from the last fortnight:

http://www.examiner.com.au/story.asp?id=243352 - 29 July
C.H. Smith Development Proposal
Residential block would be city's tallest building (with pic)

http://www.examiner.com.au/story.asp?id=263033 - 29 November
Pylons would soar over development

http://www.examiner.com.au/story.asp?id=263199 - 30 November
Heritage council set to rule on Smith plan (with pic)

http://www.examiner.com.au/story.asp?id=263354 - 1 December
Spending up big in Launceston

Some pictures (although not very clear ones - I'm familiar with the area and I still can't work it out!)

http://chuq.net/ss/chsmith1.jpeg http://chuq.net/ss/chsmith2.jpeg

THE C. H. SMITH PROPOSAL


149 residential one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in six- and eight-storey buildings.

A 87-room six-storey hotel including pool, gym, health spa, restaurant, business centre and hotel facilities and a two-storey penthouse.

Two exhibition spaces proposed for Tasmanian produce and artworks.

Development of the 1860s warehouse at 22 Charles St and neighbouring 1850s town- house to exhibition space and administration.

Development of Canal St heritage-listed flour store to a restaurant.

Plaza with kiosk.

Five shops.

A public pool and gym.

A 530-space car park for hotel, residential and public use.

A 320m pedestrian sky bridges supported by two 73m pylons to connect site to Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Wellington St and Old Seaport.

Demolition of the Launceston Function Centre on Canal St, blue building housing C. H. Smith Marine in Canal St, 16-18 Charles St housing Anderson Morgan Consulting and Tasmanian Redline Head Office and red brick building at 20 Charles St.

This looks very cool, for a city whose only recent construction has been that been those bloody Seaport Apartments, this should be a much needed shot in the arm.

wow, what a great development! i count 9 levels in the towers, so maybe 27m tall?
73m pylons is a great height. thats same height as Wrest point casino in Hobart!
its about time we heard from launceston
thanks for story!

I know - they couldn't have done this while I was living there?

:(

great news for hobart, would love to visit, hopefully qantas will start up direct flights soon, im sure there is demand for it if perth can sustain flights to cairns im sure we could fill up direct perth - hobart flights

is there a big anti development crowd in hobart or is there general suport for development?

I know - they couldn't have done this while I was living there?

:(

I know.. I lived there for 24 years and not much happened.. though i was pretty young for most of those so i wasn't really paying attention.. and the Seaport Apartments are quite nice.. aren't too bad except that fish and chips for 4 people there cost over $50!

is there a big anti development crowd in hobart or is there general suport for development?

In Hobart there is general support for development and rejuvenation of the waterfront area... stuff generally goes ahead (apart from the Mt Wellington cable car) and then gets complained about afterwards. The latest development in Hobart is the construction (= heightening) of penthouses on top of 188 Collins St - don't have the link here but it is in this forum.

In Launceston, I think they pretty much take whatever they can get - any development means a step towards being more like (or more than) Hobart!

I notice that the plans call for a public pool, is there any news on the wave pool that they're supposed to be building near Racecourse Rd?

is hobart getting a new high rise skyscraper this will be interesting.

is hobart getting a new high rise skyscraper this will be interesting.

Not a new one - just adding to one of the existing ones to make it taller!

Do you have a picture of the existing building?

Do you have a picture of the existing building?

Yes - I posted it previously but the URL has since changed. I have edited my post above to the new URL, and the picture should now be showing up!

i finally spoke with building managment today and he gave official height as 52m or 48m to roof. The 5 penthouses will be added to roof but wont add more height.
checkout the website>>

http://www.188collins.com.au/

http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,12508868%255E3462,00.html

Park apartment project
By CHARLES WATERHOUSE
11mar05

THE former Telstra exchange building opposite Hobart's St David's Park is to be transformed into luxury serviced apartments.

Tasmanian tourism group Doherty Hotels expects the complex, called One Sandy Bay Rd, to be completed by October.

A development application for its conversion to 55 strata title, one-bedroom apartments was before the Hobart City Council and the apartments go on sale today.

The development joins a string of hotel and apartment developments in Hobart including Zero Davey, the Henry Jones IXL Art Hotel and George Giameos's One Collins St, which is approaching completion.

There are also new apartments in Macquarie St and a 12-storey, $9 million hotel in Collins St, both being developed by Ali Sultan, and a recently approved 13-floor, 40-room hotel, restaurant and conference centre in Market Place.

Doherty said the former Telstra building was an elegant example of 1940s architecture and the redevelopment represented an opportunity to secure an individual serviced apartment as an investment property in one of Hobart's icon buildings, in one of Hobart's icon positions.

The building overlooks St David's Park and is just a short walk from Salamanca Place and Sullivans Cove.

Many of the apartments will have views across the park and towards Mt Wellington.

All apartments will be self-contained and will be sold fully furnished, with the furnishings contained within the purchase prices.

Apartment prices start at $170,000.

The complex would be run and operated by Queensland-based serviced apartment operator Aquavista Resort Management.

However, Doherty said investors would also have the right to withdraw their apartment from this management and operate it themselves or to occupy it themselves.

During the first two years of operation, the apartments would provide a bank guaranteed 6.5 per cent net return, which the operator expected to exceed once the business was established.

When Doherty's Hotel Apartments Pty Ltd completed the redevelopment, Aquavista Resorts would start operation the following month.

Edwards Windsor Real Estate recently sold the building to Dohertys after significant national interest and Edwards Windsor has been named as the exclusive sales agent for the apartments.

----

All I have to say is, what is the go with all these apartment buildings named "One ___ ____" - One Collins, One Market Place, One Sandy Bay Road... they must all be trying to outdo Zero Davey.. :P

how tall is the existing telstra exchange? will it be added to?
whats the 12st hotel in Collins st?
wow, even hobart has embraced the inner city highrise units!

interesting

G'day Everybody,

First post, first thread, first everything really. (except first look...)

http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,15013550%255E3462,00.html

Skybridge plan gets go-ahead
By NICK CLARK
19apr05
AN APARTMENT and hotel project for Launceston, valued at $126 million and including a skybridge, was passed by Launceston City Council yesterday.

The proposal, by 1980s entrepreneur Serge de Kantzow, stirred lively debate before being approved 9-3.

Mr de Kantzow said after the meeting he had a lot of interest from investors.

He would not reveal when building might start.

The development, which is proposed for a controversial heritage site on the northern edge of the central business district, includes a raised walkway supported by two 73-metre-high towers.

Mr de Kantzow has an option to buy the C.H. Smith site from the owner, Tasmania's Own Redline Coaches.

The development would consist of an 87-suite hotel, 149 apartments, two exhibition spaces, public plaza and 530 parking spaces.

The proposal was originally valued at $80 million but this was increased.

Mr de Kantzow had sought $11 million in funding from the State Government for the skybridge but was refused.

In January the Tasmanian Heritage Council allowed the development with conditions governing the height of the building.

However, Mr de Kantzow's firm has appealed to the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal on the heritage issues.

Mr de Kantzow's wife's firm Lido Pty Ltd operates the award-winning Hatherley House in Launceston and is involved in the Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart.

It paid $550,000 for a part of the site and has Apartments in Launceston on the market.

Launceston mayor Janie Dickenson said the new project was a quite exciting, courageous and bold development.

Other aldermen expressed concern that the skybridge was inappropriate.

"The development application attracted 33 representors about the skybridge and height of buildings," Ald Jon Walters said.

Opponent Ian Routley said the development would have a detrimental impact on the city.

"Because of the current sorry state of the site it is almost as though the people of Launceston are being blackmailed into accepting any development to get rid of the so-called eyesore rather than development which is appropriate in scale and design," he said.

The council also considered in a closed session yesterday whether it would allow the skybridge to be built on council land and whether it would pay for its maintenance.

Any renders etc.

Welcome to the forums castrovalva - I've merged your thread with an earlier one about this project, which includes some renders. Great news for Launceston - do you live there?

Thanks.

Yeah, after I posted I found this earlier thread (d'oh). I live in Penguin on the North West Coast of Tasmania, about 1.5hrs drive from Launceston. I visit Lonny reasonably regularly.

After seeing pics my responses are: wow; I'm surprised at the scale of projects (like this) going on in Launceston, but perhaps I'm being naive; and it's a darn side more exciting looking then those boring Seaport Apartments.

Great news for Launceston, it's an attractive development which will undoubtely improve the city.

Here's another link with a few more pictures

http://www.abc.net.au/tasmania/stories/s1349168.htm

It has also approved a controversial skybridge.

From the above linked site. Why is it controversial? It'll be a fantastic landmark for the city.

Why contraversial?

A couple of possible options:
1. Contraversial is a nice journalists' word,
2. Old fashioned conservative "architecturally illiterate" people kicking up a stink about "greedy developers building their big/ugly/modern developments and destroying/overshadowing our beautiful/peaceful/historic city etc..."

Personally, I think that this development (bridge included) will create an interesting modern counterpoint to the rest of historic and pseudo-historic city - a post-modern oasis in an historic jungle. (mixed metaphors???...)

what is a skywalk?

^^ A fancy marketing term for a pedestrian bridge :) Some pics from the link castrovalva gave:
http://www.abc.net.au/tasmania/stories/m1043488.jpg

http://www.abc.net.au/tasmania/stories/m1043489.jpg

Unfortunately, a group led by the National Trust is appealing the approval of this project - the week long hearing began on Monday.
http://launceston.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=local&story_id=416368&category=General+News&m=8&y=2005

pedestrian !!!

it looks nice but why they are throwing all this money for Pedestrain Bridge??

sounds like a stupid idea, instead they should've thought of building a 10 Floor building or something in that city which looks more like a village.

Well their building a 8s & 6s building, how's that? It's not just the skybridge, it's also hotel, apartments, gallleries, public pool - read the first post.

lol

yea i read that post and the links too and some of the comments in that link too, ok the 8 s and the 6 s are good,

but why the skybridge? looks like this city is looking for some land mark or something and i guess the cheapest would be that skybridge, unlike hobart which i visted last month has that huge tasman bridge.

and that tasman bridge is actully there for a good porpose which serves the city while this " Sky walk bridge " sounds silly.

instead they could've thought of building an observation tower or something, i know Tasmania has lots of natural veiws .

It is a dark time for the Commonwealth...

Many of you have by now read the first exciting thread: Episode I: The Phantom NIMBY (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=5140999#post5140999)

And you've all been waiting breathlessly for the second exciting chapter. Like any good story the first act is all set up introducing the characters (in this case NIMBYs, well the second act introduces the problem.

You see the NIMBYs have an all-powerful ally, more powerful than even the sith in their ability to cloud one's vision and distort the truth. Yes folks - I'm talking about Greenies...

Read on as respected demographer Bernard Salt takes us into the past to expose the way environmentalism has prevented projects in the national interest from going ahead.

Recent years have seen the country preoccupied with the shortage of water - but nobody seems to want to touch the obvious solution. Read here how NIMBYs unwashed ally - the Greenie has kept Australia dry for over 20 years...

The setting is Tasmania, hence why we're in this thread...

:D

Franklin my dear, I don't give a dam
Bernard Salt
August 25, 2005

AUSTRALIAN environmentalists won an important victory in 1982. As a consequence of protests by the fledgling green movement, the proposal to dam Tasmania's Franklin River was withdrawn.

Not only did this action save the Franklin, it also set the political agenda for the next two, and possibly up to five, decades.

And the reason for this extraordinary impact from one green campaign is this: no political leader since that event has proposed the building of a major new dam to service metropolitan Australia.

The last new dam added to the water reserves of metropolitan Australia was Sydney's Tallowa, completed in 1977.

State politicians believe that the surest way to be voted out of office is to propose the building of a new dam, so they avoid the subject altogether. State premiers don't like using the d-word.

The political response is to find a solution, any solution, rather than build a new dam, and indeed to remove the whole dam concept from political debate: Out damned dams!

The environmental lobby has skilfully manoeuvred middle Australia to a no-dams policy without having to go through the tedium of public debate.

To suggest that it might be appropriate to build one new dam for Sydney every half-century or so is to risk being labelled a redneck by environmentalists. Well I think it is now time to have that debate.

The sometimes scrambled logic of the green movement is spreading by osmosis.

In the bathrooms of Sydney's Westin Hotel a green card explains that in order to "help the environment" guests staying more than one night are encouraged to reuse towels. No further explanation is provided.

All this hotel needs to do is invoke the spirit of "the environment" and guests respond.

I don't mind reusing towels, but at least explain the link to the environment.

For example, washing towels uses precious water. But if the water is recycled then what does it matter?

Washing towels releases detergents into the storm-water system; so use bio-degradable detergent. Washing towels consumes electricity from coal-fired power stations that contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Oh, please!. Me using a fresh towel each day heats up the planet!

The real reason why the Westin and other hotels want guests to reuse towels is to reduce costs. This is a cost-saving exercise dressed up as concern for the environment.

In today's world of transparency and accountability, I say come clean and state upfront that the reuse of towels would be appreciated to reduce costs.

This approach of using "the environment" as an excuse for other, usually financial, objectives seems to have been behind Sydney's water strategy, released in October last year. This strategy, announced by the then NSW premier Bob Carr, outlined how the city's water needs would be met over the next 25 years.

Water would be pumped from lower down in the Warragamba Dam.

Water would be siphoned from the Shoalhaven River (although this is being met with local resistance).

A desalination plant would be investigated, and water conservation and education measures would continue to be promoted.

Mr Carr dismissed the idea of a new dam in one paragraph in the foreword to the strategy: it would cost too much (more than $2 billion, apparently); it would take many years to fill (about 10 years); and it would harm the environment.

A new dam has not been added to Sydney's reserves for 27 years and is now off the agenda for another 25 years.

I think there are two reasons why Sydney's water strategy did not include a new dam.

The first politician to suggest a new dam gets dumped at the next election by an electorate driven by populist environmental views, even though it can be argued that a new dam is precisely what is required to meet the water needs of Sydney.

But the other reason why the d-word isn't an option is because it requires the allocation of at least $2 billion from the state budget.

This no-dam green option neatly side-steps a tough political choice.

If you were premier, which interest group would you rip $2 billion from in order to shore up the water needs of non-voting future generations?

My query regarding Sydney's water strategy is: is raising $2 billion really beyond the means of the most powerful state government in Australia?

Of course it isn't. What about a public-private partnership response. This works for other pieces of major infrastructure.

Taking 10 years to fill a dam just doesn't make sense. So we wait 10 years before water restrictions can be lifted. A dam is forever. What does it matter how long it takes to fill?

Then there is the view that the dam would "harm the environment".

The building of the proposed Welcome Reef dam outside Sydney would drown a river valley; flora and fauna would be lost; there would be down-stream consequences for the environment by restricting water flow.

But do environmental impact studies ever consider positive impacts, or do they only document negative impacts?

If positive effects can be identified, then there is an argument to say that we should consider the concept of a "net environmental impact".

This concept is already in use in town-planning matters, where the economic impact of projects is assessed in net terms.

An adjudicator weighs the merits of each argument and then comes down on the side that offers the greatest net community benefit.

Applied to the Welcome Reef dam, such an assessment would consider the impact on Sydney residents over 50 years of a strategy with the dam but no water restrictions, and without the dam but with water restrictions.

Without the dam, four, and eventually five, million residents of Sydney must daily adjust their lives to accommodate water shortages so as to preserve the bushland and the downstream environment outside the city.

With the dam and no water restrictions this generation of Sydney residents and the next are freed from the daily grind of preserving "every single guilty drop of water".

No water restrictions means that Sydney's 2000sqkm of suburbia becomes greener as residents develop lush foliage around dwellings. Flora and fauna (especially birdlife) flourish in well-watered green suburbs.

The argument is that a greener suburban expanse offsets, at least partially, the footprint of the new dam.

But there are positive social impacts, too.

Water restrictions are socially divisive: they can set neighbour against neighbour watching to ensure there are no breaches.

Water restrictions also raise issues of social equity. The owners of separate houses on separate blocks of land bear the greatest burden of restrictions because they cannot water gardens as efficiently as the body corporate can manage the landscaping around an apartment building.

What I am suggesting is an extension of the "net community benefit" concept, that already applies in town planning disputes, to environmental impact studies.

The development of the Welcome Reef dam will destroy native bushland and will diminish the quality of the environment downstream.

But these negative effects should be balanced against positive effects to determine an overall net community benefit or disbenefit.

This test may well show that the environmental cost of this dam still far outweighs any perceived benefits.

But my point is this: Including positives as well as negatives in consideration of an environmental argument is fairer and, in some cases, might even lead to an alternative conclusion.

By understanding the margin of the net effect (as opposed to the margin of the gross effect) politicians may even be encouraged to take a long-term view and do what is best for the next generation, rather than simply crystallise a short-term opportunity to get themselves across the line at the next election.

Bernard Salt is a Partner with KPMG, bsalt@kpmg.com.au

Wrest point casino in Hobart now has a new cam. excellent. you can use it yourself to pan ect

http://wphc-webcam.federlite.net

woohoo!
i can see my house from here!
dont need to install a security camera now :colgate:

has anyone got anymore info on what's happening with this?
There is a big crane next to 188 collins and they seem to be cutting holes in the top section and adding windows or something. It all looks a bit strange, will try and get some photos next time I walk past.

again, any news? looks pretty smick in the proposals!

I read somewhere just last week that this proposal is back from council with a fresh DA so the funds problem which I heard the developer had earlier may have been sorted out, it will be interesting to see if it is going to finally get started soon, there is very little development in a larger scale happening in Tas it seems at present or am I just not looking at the right sites?

what a pity that it's been 3 years and nothing. :(

.. including a 12-storey and a 9-storey building.

http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,22381761-3462,00.html



City centre shake-up
Article from: The Mercury

September 08, 2007 12:00am

A MULTI-million-dollar development is planned for a prime city block opposite the Royal Hobart Hospital.
The Argyle Street Development proposed by Sultan Holdings Pty Ltd would take up much of the block fronted by Argyle and Liverpool Sts and Wellington Court.

It's the latest project from Ali Sultan, who already has a string of car park and accommodation development sites including Savoy Baths and Market Place Car Park to his name.

Other ventures for the Tasmanian developer include an $8 million motel, caravan park, petrol station and restaurant development at Hobart Airport.

The new project would include a 12-storey building, retail shops, a supermarket and offices.

An extension to the Hobart City Council public car park would be done in partnership with the council.

Demolition of parts of buildings would be required.

Included would be a basement floor, a ground floor with retail, seven levels of parking and four storeys of offices.

The submission to the council with work by JAWS architects includes retaining the qualities of two heritage buildings, at 42 Argyle St and 60 Liverpool St.

"The two significant heritage buildings would be retained, enhanced and given new life," says the plan at the council offices.

"The part of 42 Argyle to be retained would be sympathetically recycled."

The former Webster building at 60 Liverpool St would have its facade retained while the facade and part of the structure at 42 Argyle St would also be kept.

A traffic study has been done for the busy streets.

Submissions relating to the plan must be made to the council by September 19.

In a separate development, under way nearby is a plan for a nine-level building including a Coles supermarket.

The proposal, which has been welcomed by the council, is for a supermarket on the ground floor of a nine-level building housing A-grade office space and a basement car park.

That project is for the corner of Argyle and Melville Sts, replacing an existing warehouse that would be demolished.

excellent, bout time we heard some news from sunny hobart. 12storeys would make emporis, so ill have to find as much as i can on it.
thanks

site
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5645993,00.jpg

While checking real estate listings recently I found an ad for space being leased in a yet to be constructed 9 story office building in Macquarie Street.
I believe a 12 level hotel has also been approved for Collins St.

One issue which may damage the future growth of Hobart's CBD is the construction of TWO huge retail developments at Cambridge, about 20 minutes drive from the city centre near the airport. One of these is nearly complete and the other, the largest in Australia, is awaiting planning approval.

Also, in the last 20 years the 'mini' CBD at Rosny, East of Hobart, has provided significant new, small scale, office space. Several Govt. departments are located there. If they were in the Hobart CBD the demand of new office space would be much greater.

Anyone know anything about the $50 million privately funded art gallery being built at Morrilla Estate?

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/9001/5309001ml1187161263.jpg
Image found here (http://www.realcommercial.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=o&id=5309001&f=10&p=10&t=com&ty=&fmt=&header=&c=39773842&s=tas&tm=1190264305)

Thanks for that. I don't know whether it has gone to council yet.

I've found some info about Moorilla quoted below. Ok, it's not a skyscraper. It's underground!

"The $55 million, three-level, cliff-face museum is being built by David Walsh near his Moorilla Estate winery, in Berriedale, on the banks of the Derwent River. Dubbed the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), it was designed by leading Melbourne architecture firm Fender Katsalidis, will open in 2009, house a collection worth more than $100 million, and become Australia's biggest private museum. Not that Walsh has much competition - in Australia, it is rare for private collectors to build not-for-profit galleries to show their collections to the public, especially a collection."

David Walsh is paying all the bills for this one! Quite an investment as there will be no admission charge. It's a gift to Tasmania.

Wonder if he's any good for a loan?

Nice re: Moorilla museum. I got married in their Museum of Antiquities, as it was at the time :)

saw the article about the 12-storey and 9-storey buildings, except the 9-storey building proposed in that article isn't for the site that picture is of.
Could it be we are gonna have a few more buildings going up soon? and especially now that a large block right in the CBD has been opened up by the myer fire me thinks something large should go in here to combat the proposed DFO out at cambridge!

Better change this thread title to THREE new buildings for HOBART!!

Apparently the owners of Myer, in conjunction with a local investment group, have been planning a $200 million re-development of Myer and Cat and Fiddle Arcade. They have indicated that this re-development may be fast-tracked following the fire.

may as well change title to projects.
its great we are finally seeing some action.
ive measured the background office bldg in diagram (commonwealth gov centr at 48m, thus new 9storey bldg = 30m/100ft mark.
ill add all these to emporis
cheers

Hi Guys/Girls.

With the recent Hobart Waterfront design competition is was wondering if anyone knows where I could get a 3D model of the Hobart area? (Pref in .3ds format)

There were definately schemes which had the city modeled, I assume that this was provided as part of the competition briefing documents, but can't find anything on the website...

I am looking at doing my major project next semester, and would use the model only for student-based work, not for commercial purposes.

Alternatively if any students or architects in Hobart have a model that they would be happy for me to use that would be fantastic. (I know it is probably a long shot!)

If anybody could provide me with any info, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Sam

Have you tried asking the council? would have thought that would have been your best bet.
other than that there may be someone down at centre for spatial info science at uni may be in the know, as I have seen 3D models of the city on posters there

i was also told last year that Hobart was to get a physical city model.The data to make this is digital data which is 3D. we use same stuff here in sydney.

good story in todats fin review
CRANES MIGRATE TO HOBART CBD
story>
http://www.afr.com/home/viewer.aspx?EDP://20080212000020292967&magsection=news&title=Cranes+migrate+to+Hobart+CBD&source=/_xmlfeeds/property/feed.xml

Hobart has currently low office vacancy of %2.2.
30,000sqm of office space valued at $169mil is in pipeline over next few years!
a 10,000sqm tower is planned for cnr Agyle & Mleville.

Anyone know anything about the $50 million privately funded art gallery being built at Morrilla Estate?

Drove past it on Tuesday, looks to be coming along nicely, I was wondering what it was actually, but this thread confirms it.
As for the destroyed area of Myer in Liverpool Street, it's still an empty block with a white fence along the front.
Nothing's been done to it since the rubble was cleared, some vehicles are parked in there where the once ground floor counters were.
The old Ellison Hawker building next to it is still a charred ruin and untouched, the sign on the door says they'll be reopening in Mathers Lane (from memory) at the end of this month.

A couple of stories in today's Mercury about the new hospital location and surrounding areas:

Fracas hit working port - http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23689915-3462,00.html

Plan has docks on the block - http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23689776-3462,00.html

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6035361,00.jpg

Interesting.

While the docklands would be an excellent site for redevelopment, I have my doubts about how Hobart and Tassie transport infrastructure would cope with the complete closure of the Hobart port terminal.

Also, I have no confidence in the Lennon govt's ability to do anything other than dodgy back room deals with their mates. So I'm not surprised at this "close the port by stealth" accusation.

This hasn't seem to have precluded the port authority itself from indulging in a bit of development of its own http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/15/2245686.htm

very interesting! watch that space!
it has a lot of potential, but I bet it will be wasted

woohoo!
i can see my house from here!
dont need to install a security camera now :colgate:

lol

More news (from a few days ago):

http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23950569-5007221,00.html


DETAILED makeover plans for Hobart's Macquarie Wharf railyards and docks area containing the new Royal Hobart Hospital will soon go before Cabinet.

Central to the docklands redevelopment is the extension of the main traffic thoroughfare of Davey St north below the Domain and war memorial Cenotaph through to the water's edge.

Plans seen by the Mercury detail a new $1 billion low-rise Royal Hobart Hospital at the centre of the site, ringed by associated medical centres and rooms, as well as luxury hotels, restaurants and arts venues.


#

REDEVELOPMENT IN DETAIL:
# Low-rise RHH covering 7ha
# Private hospital built next to new RHH
# Davey St extended north into leafy boulevard running through to water's edge
# Road linking Regatta Grounds with the hospital, new Davey St extension and the rest of Macquarie Wharf
# Four-storey car park built under Domain and Cenotaph
# Road extension from Brooker Highway through to new hospital, creating new city block
# Light rail access from Hobart's northern suburbs to the hospital
# Bike path and pedestrian walkway linking Regatta Grounds to Sullivans Cove
# Hotels, commercial parking and possible new university arts school.


http://www.news.com.au/mercury/files/waterfront.jpg

Further details on plans for a nearby area are here:
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,24011734-3462,00.html

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6142976,00.jpg

The area being covered in this article is different it is immediately south-west of the area shown in my previous post. See this google maps page:
http://maps.google.com.au/?ie=UTF8&ll=-42.884651,147.333237&spn=0.002685,0.005279&t=h&z=18

Wow. This looks really nice. I'd love to work in a modern hospital, down on the water front in the centre of the city. Hobart will be very lucky to have such a campus. The surrounding developments sound fantastic.

All we need in the old CHC-Hobart-CHC connection again to enjoy your beautiful city :banana:

Placing the hospital on the waterfront is another example of the poor planning which goes on around here. The space should be used for something that will utilise it more effectively, a hospital doesn't 'need' to be located on prime real-estate next to the CBD.
A hospital would be better suited in a central location to the entire city, such as the old show grounds in the northern suburbs, where it's next to the highway anyway and can spread over a much larger area.

What? Northern suburbs? That's a long way for overpriced specialists to drive their Mercedes sports coupes from Sandy Bay.

Thought I may as well start a new thread for this one.

It will be interesting to see how the Hobart City Council reacts. Even though the Mercury Newspaper said that "developers were rushing to get new office developments underway to take advantage of short supply in A Grade Office space" - the facts seem to suggest the opposite. There are no new major office developments under way in Hobart (except for a very boring 2 level groundscraper at the top end of Liverpool Street). We have the Menzies Centre (medical), and two hotels and thats it.

Still, I will be keeping my fingers crossed it will get approved and actually start consturction. Might even put in a representation myself to help it along!

Heres the link to the Mercury Newspaper article which has a render of sorts.

http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,24236178-3462,00.html

:)

And of course the nimbys come out against it -

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6215657,00.jpg

The public would probably show some greater support if they look at the real design. Just looking at that reminds me of the state library building :ohno: I also hope it goes ahead, it's a boring part of town.

There should be one office tower going up soonish - the Wellington Centre. The golf store in Wellington Arcade is having a closing down sale and other businesses on Argyle St have already re-located so maybe some action in the next couple of months.

I haven't heard anything about the one further up Argyle though...

Thank's for the heads up re the Wellington Centre, Rover.

I think that you are right and that some action will be starting there soon. I understand that the same contractor who is building the hotel in Lower Collins Street for Ali Sultan will also be building the Wellington Centre for him.

I heard that the development planned for Argyle Street has stalled and will not be proceeding a - don't know the reason but the parties behind it have never built anything of that scale before (14 stories) so perhaps in this slower market it was a bridge too far for them. Pity.

Well the opposition to the development has started as predicted.

An article in todays (2 September) Mercury (but not published on-line yet so no link) has the ex interim Chair of the Heritage Council calling for people to "speak out against the proposed development of historic Macquarie House in Hobart". Apparently, the new development will "completely overshadow Macqaurie House and the other colonial outbuildings and will make a mockery of Hobart City Council's heritage schedule".

Same old, same old views by people who seem to prefer to live back in the past. Why shouldn't these buildings be "overshadowed"- All they have, after all, is a passing attraction to some people who like to look at old buildings. They have no commercial value and have been run down for years.

Critics should be encouraging the developer to work around the problem so that Hobart gets a nice new building and all the critics can then keep their hair on about old buildings instead of simply encouraging people to object!

yeah agreed OptomistOne...you'd think they'd be rejoicing over the fact the old building will be preserved, and it's not like there aren't plenty of old buildings already preserved in the city anyway

The RACT has put in an application to redevelop their existing building in Murray Street. The current 2 storey will go and the proposed new building will be four stories overall and will cost $15m. Density wise it will help fill in the site a lot but a couple of stories taller would have been a better building imo but the trouble is that the Hobart City Council (HCC) planning scheme sets a quite frankly ridiculous limit of only 12 metres for that neck of the woods. Still, I suppose it all helps to keep Hobart moving along.

There are some renders as part of the DA on the HCC website for those who know how to link these to this thread.:)

Is there a link to the overall height restrictions for the greater Hobart area? What sort of restrictions would there be on the old Myer site for example?

There is no link in the Planning Approvals section that I am aware of - the HCC webiste itself might have a reference to the height limits for the CBD overall but from memory I think it is not much - 45 meters max or something like that.:ohno:

It would be good to find out what the height restriction is - I think from memory that the AMP building is pretty much at the current limit.

It's in the Planning Scheme (http://www.hobartcity.com.au/hccwr/_assets/main/lib60030/chps%20current_without_heritage_maps_&_schedule_p.pdf), Table C1. For the central CBD, including Myers, I think, height limit 42m to highest floor level, with some discressionary allowances.

It's in the Planning Scheme (http://www.hobartcity.com.au/hccwr/_assets/main/lib60030/chps%20current_without_heritage_maps_&_schedule_p.pdf), Table C1. For the central CBD, including Myers, I think, height limit 42m to highest floor level, with some discressionary allowances.

42 metres!!!!! That's worse than I thought. No other capital city in Australia - let alone dozens of regional ones have such a stupid restrictive limit..:nuts:

42 metres is pathetic. hcc is such a bunch of old fuddy-duddys
who can we pester about raising this stupid limit?
...we could almost start an online petition

42 metres is pathetic. hcc is such a bunch of old fuddy-duddys
who can we pester about raising this stupid limit?
...we could almost start an online petition

To get the current height limit changed in this town would need something a whole lot more extreme than a petition - you'd probably need some sort of small nuclear weapon.......

Canberra is nearly as bad.

Looks like a nice building though. A bit of a contrast to the size of the NRMA tower on the corner of King/George Streets in Sydney, but at least the architecture's impressive!

Yes - it is not a bad looking building - apart from being clearly too small.

Construction is planned to commence in March 09 if the approvals all come through ok. Not sure who the builders will be but probably Hansen and Yunken or Fairbrothers - they seem to be getting most of the work around town.

is there a link to a render or something somewhere or am I blind???

There is a series of renders in the SEMF Report which is part of the Development Application on the HCC website. Not sure if the attached link will take you there or not. It will only be on the site for another week or so. You will find it listed under the 179-191 Murray Street & 62 Patrick St, Hobart address about halfway down the list. Scroll down the SEMF Report until about page 5 or so.

http://www.hobartcity.com.au/HCC/STANDARD/ADVERTISED_APPLICATIONS.html

cheers mate, yeah doesn't look too bad, shame about the height though

For those who might be interested the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority, has built a physical model of Hobart CBD although with an empahsis on Sullivans Cove.

The model is on display on the ground floor of its offices at 5 Franklin Street. The CBD area is only partially modelled but it does give a sought of overview of the city and is better than nothing.

Apparently the owners of Myer, in conjunction with a local investment group, have been planning a $200 million re-development of Myer and Cat and Fiddle Arcade. They have indicated that this re-development may be fast-tracked following the fire.

Article in todays Mercury...does not look like much is going to happen when the local paper runs a competition to dream up ideas for the site:ohno:

http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,24364963-921,00.html

sounds great. cant beat a physical model.
we need piccies??

LOL. ABC1 news tonight discussed this. They showed renders of the "new Myers" proposed for Hobart which were actually for the work currently underway in Melbourne. Regardless, the Myers man said they want to start building something early next year.

lol

ive always thought the magnificent cascade brewery would make a great spooky mansion in a horror flick

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2882168718_2484db9168_b.jpg

The stuff that comes out of it has certainly given us locals a few sleepless nights over the years....:cheers:

that a HDR pic there culwulla?

seems like a pic from a mobile phone perhaps?

yes some sort of time exposure hdr. this and port arthur give me the creeps

The Mercury reported today (20 October) that the Hobart City Council (HCC)Development Committe has rejected the 10 storey redevelopment proposal. The proposal will now go to the Full Council - but I would be suprised if they overturned the Committee's decision.

The HCC also commented that it felt sorry for the developer who obviously did not appreciate the heritage issues when they bought the building!

It may not have been the best looking proposal but with a world recession on the horizon you would think that approving it with some strict conditions to make it fit in a bit better would have been a much more responsible outcome in terms of attracting investment and creating jobs.

Typical HCC; typical Slowbart and another potential development bites the rapidly growing dust building up in its deserted CBD streets.....:ohno::ohno:

... and another potential development bites the rapidly growing dust building up in its deserted CBD streets.

sorry looks like we're going to have to reduce that dust due to height restrictions

ok heres current tallest list for hobart from emporis

TOP TEN
wrest point casino/70m/19st/hotel
amp/58m/14st/office
CGC/52m/16st/office
trafalgar cetnre/50m/15st/office
145 liverpool st/50m/13st/office-APPROVED
39 murray st/48m/14st/office
10 murray st/46m/12st/office
aurora bldg/46m/13st/office
wellington centre/45m/12st/office-APPROVED
reserve bank/46m/11st/office

skyscrapers uc
1 market place/37m/12st/hotel- UC

history lesson 1.

the original st davids in murray st 1823.
2nd tallest structure in Australia at 35m.

http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/pictoria/a/0/8/im/a08305.jpg

http://images.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/tasimg/feb1998/normal/AUTAS001124067653.jpg

the 12m spire became unsafe and pulled down in 1834 and replaced with a larger tower dubbed "st davids pepper box" at 32m high but was still was australias 2nd tallest building!

http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/pictoria/a/0/8/im/a08686.jpg

http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an2726819-v

http://portal.archives.tas.gov.au/ArchivesImages/Photos/NS/NS1013/NS%201013-1590c.jpg

a new cathedral was built in 1880s and large tower added in 1936
http://catalogue.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/covers/aot/ab713/view/AB713-1-645.jpg

Thanks Cul - the photos are great.

For those who may be interested, the Cathedral is currently in the process of a $4 million dollar restoration which will see a range of improvements including a "piazza" style sandstone forecourt and world class external lighting which will make it the best lit heritage building in Hobart.

Just out of curiosity, Anyone know what ever happened to DFO and the homemaker centre planned near Hobart International.

Last I heard the proposal sunk because DFO got cold feet as HCC wanted to reduce the size of DFO to only 10,000sqm

and put the whole project in disrepute?

The Harvey Norman homemaker centre is complete I believe, as is the new motel, and the site works for the DFO are underway. This area is booming and will also be the site for some low rise office buildings, more retail and industry. The area is one of only two sites left within 25k of the CBD available for large scale industrial development. The other, at Brighton, is also booming. Access economics predicts that Tassie will grow much faster than the other states over the next couple of years and it's starting to show. The population just reached 1/2 a million, with most of the growth around Hobart.

From what I can find out the DFO is still going ahead with a local civil contractor currently working on the plans for the civil site works. Expect to see a start later this year.

The new owners of the Hobart International Airport site are also keen for more development on the land bank it holds around the airport to maximise its investment. Could see the odd new factory complex sprout up at any time.

Pearcey is right about the whole Cambridge/Hobart Airport area likely to experience significant invesment in the next 5 years.

Welcome to the site too Pearcey. :)

Fantastic to see all these projects in the Hobart Area! About time they do something to the waterfront and upgrade Bellerive Oval!!

Nothing has happened and the developer has since sold up. The site is again back on the market and doesn't look like anything will happen on site until the next boom =( Why does this always happen in Tasmania?? :bash:

At least there are a few new developments going ahead in Launceston although it looks as if a couple could be canned because of tough economic times.

Anything happened here? Or as usual a development has stopped..

Anything happened here? Haven't heard much

The new building there now looks fairly good, The Silos apartments are cracking by the way :S

Launceston

1. http://www.hotelcharles.com.au/images/charles.jpg Hotel Charles, $30 million

2. http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/0869/105030869mm1215158094.jpg Loggia Apartments, $9 million

3. http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/9871/20068768152fsxe5.jpg Launceston Gasworks, $35 million

4. http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/841/5308663al1187133748fc4.jpg Cimitiere House, 10 million (Nearly Complete)

5. http://www.launcestonairport.com.au/bloogoocms/uploads/images/term%20walkthroughsep06%20010.JPG Launceston Airport, $20 million

6. http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/2166/5412166mm1214204051.jpg Paterson Central (Carpark) , $20 million

Could someone add Hobarts with renders?

Most of the older projects you have refered to above are complete. Lights have been approved for Bellerive Oval, just waiting on funding. To my knowlege none of the projects that you have queried have been cancelled.

Anything happened here? Or as usual a development has stopped..

The penthouse never went ahead (not sure why), but they refitted the plant room with (much needed) new office space, adding 2 extra levels to the building.

Final result here http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=635896

Anything happened here? Haven't heard much


All finito - http://www.onesandybayroad.com.au/

Premier David Bartlett has welcomed data released today on the Tasmanian building industry saying it showed there was good reason for the local building industry to remain confident.


“The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports in trend terms, total building work done in the September quarter 2008 was up 2.6 per cent from the previous quarter, a record high quarterly level.


“Both residential and non-residential work done were at record highs in the year to September 2008.


“The value of residential work done increased by 9.2 per cent to $734.9 million while the value of non-residential work done increased by 12.2 per cent to $416.8 million.

“Importantly, the value of total building work started in the year to September 2008 was 12.7 per cent above the same period one year earlier.


“That is a very encouraging sign.

“In addition, I am hopeful we will see further growth in the housing sector from the stimulus provided by the Tasmanian Government’s shared equity housing scheme and the increase in the first home buyers grant.


“I am also encouraged by comments from the HIA yesterday that it has positive projections for future building activity.”

Nice!

http://www.stellaresorts.com.au/Portals/0/SiteImages/Brands/MantraResorts/MantraOneSandyBayRoad/ImageGallery/ImageGallery1.jpg

http://www.mantraonesandybayroad.com.au/images/resorts/mantra-one-sandy-bay-road/Mantra-One-Sandy-Bay-Road-Hobart-Exterior.jpg

yes it looks a bit strange, but I'm told it's quite nice from the inside as the windows are 2 stories tall and there is a sort of internal mezzanine around the building next to them.

oh ok, bit of a boring building still.

If the dam takes 10-years to fill, then there's not a moment to lose. You'd better start constructing it now (because even that will probably take 2-3 years).

I've also read that Britain is staring down the barrel of major electricity shortages because all the politicians are too scared to suggest the construction of a new power plant, and the so-called "Green" power isn't reliable enough, and/or doesn't produce enough electricity.

Not to mention Melbourne's problems with electricity melt-downs just recently with everyone trying to run the air-conditioning in the middle of a heat wave. As far back as the summer of 1999/2000, Melbournians were being forced to switch off their a/c (in the middle of summer) because the grid couldn't keep up.

Greenies will be the cause of, not the stagnation of Australia (& other western countries), but the UNdevelopment of Australia, etc. Essential services (water & electricity) will become less and less reliable because no one can even suggest upgrading or adding to infrastructure. Unreliable essential services is one of the major characteristics of undeveloped countries.

You could all move North. But yes even in the Northern Territory, the supposed redneck centre of the earth outside the USA (It's not true BTW, as the Territory is the most cosmopolitan jurisdiction of Australia), the greenies, who at the time did not even have political representation (and still don't) in the NT, still managed to scuttle the plans from the previous Country Liberal Government (thank you Tasmanian Senator Bob Brown) for a new dam to supply Darwin.

Brainwashed people that move to the NT from southern states continually write annoying letters to the NT News about how Territorians seem to waste water; not even realising that water is abundant in the Top End and that most whities in the Top End shower more often because of the heat and humidity. Otherwise they'd end up smelling like greenies.

Could not agree more. Greenie scum have been responsible for far too many important projects not going ahead esp here in Tasmania. Bob Brown is a complete menace. - why people keep voting for him escapes me.

Look at the top image of Hotel Charles. It's the same graphic design as Hotel Collins in Hobart. I wonder who's the architect behind them...

According to an article in today's (March 17) Mercury Newspaper work is set to begin on construction of the new building "soon". No electronic version of the article was available when I submitted this post.

The cost will be $17m and the design is still for a 4 storey development. It will be built by Fairbrothers. During the construction staff will move from the site to a rear property accessible from Patrick Street.

My spies tell me "soon" is code for April....

Good to see another Hobart development about to start.:)

Further to my update above, my "spies" have confirmed that the builders, Fairbrothers, will take occupation of the site from 6 April. So expect to see hopelfully some demolition and preparatory works happening that week.

Another multi storey (admitedly only just multi storey) start for Hobart - woo hoo:banana:

sounds great. cant beat a physical model.
we need piccies??

Cul, your wish is our command.....

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7791/photos005s.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos005s.jpg)

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5100/photos007.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos007.jpg)

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1605/photos006.jpg (http://img6.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos006.jpg)

Sorry that the quality is not great. Once I get used to my camera I might try and get some better quality ones.

Wow, that's really cool.

wow, so that's what the waterfront authority have been spending their time on :P

...and our money.

It's better than Sydney's coz its colorz...

...and our money.

It's better than Sydney's coz its colorz...

lol. yeah, they shuold fire the current one :P

Both have a similar website..

From the Fairbrother Website

This exciting and challenging $30 million project has been five years in the making; having originally been tendered by Fairbrother back in 2005. After being chosen as the preferred contractor, the design changed and evolved over time with a new Architect even being appointed along the way. Throughout this period, Major Projects Manager – John French, has ridden the project’s highs and lows and has been working closely with the Architects to ensure that every detail of the project was thoroughly evaluated for functionality and price.

The project now consists of a three-level main building (which is shaped like a stingray in plan) and houses the hotel’s reception area, day spa, dining areas, bar and all the associated back of house facilities. A covered walkway then leads from the main building down to twenty self-contained suites. All of this is surrounded by a natural bushland setting with amazing views over the water towards The Hazards mountain range. The site itself was the location of the old caravan park and we have gone to great lengths to protect and maintain the established trees and undergrowth, so that we have a minimal impact on the landscape.

Fairbrother are the Managing Contractors for this project, which basically means that we are required to prepare and tender individual works packages for every aspect of the project. This includes all the carpentry and concrete works. The resultant tenders are then discussed with the client, and once a tenderer has been appointed, we then manage that subcontractor throughout the duration of the project. It’s a similar approach to that adopted on the Risdon Prison Redevelopment and the Menzies Centre projects.

Our client (Federal Hotels) gave us the go ahead to proceed on November 10th last year and within two days we had mobilised and commenced site establishment. The on-site management team consists of Nick Freeman (Construction Manager), Chris Wilson (Contacts Administrator), Ritchie Dell (Foreman on the Main Building) and John Butler (Foreman on the Suites). Our tradesmen are coming from both the North and North West divisions and staying at a purpose built facility located 5km from site.

Progress to date has been good, with weekly site and design meetings the key that ensures we maintain programme and continuity. On the main building we have poured the Level 1 slab, installed all of our precast concrete walls, columns and lift shaft, are well advanced with the corefilled blockwork walls and have started standing door frames and installing waterproofing and ag drains to the retaining walls. The underslab support for the Level 2 Bondek slab has also commenced.

At the time of writing, we have poured the floor slabs for Suites, 5, 6, 7 & 8 and are almost ready to pour Suite 9 & 10. Blockwork to Suites 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 11, 12, 13 & 14 have been completed, as has the underslab drainage for all 20 Suites.

http://northerntasmania.yourguide.com.au/multimedia/images/full/399316.jpg

Images at: http://www.fairbrother.com.au/projects/freycinet.html

http://www.fairbrother.com.au/projects/images/Freycinet0214.jpg

The State and Federal Governments have jointly announced a $10 million 45 unit housing development for this inner city site. Here is an extract from the Press Release issued earlier today. It's presently a car park and I suspect that the development will be essentially a 2-3 storey block but no renders or plans yet have been released. Construction is expected to start immeadiatley with completion scheduled for April 2010.


The Australian and Tasmanian Governments today announced a $10 million project to help vulnerable Tasmanians break the cycle of homelessness.

Premier David Bartlett and Human Services Minister Lin Thorp joined the Federal Member for Denison Duncan Kerr to launch a 45-unit housing development and support service in Hobart’s inner city.

A Place to Call Home Hobart will be Tasmania’s first Common Ground housing development, offering not only accommodation but support services to help homeless people return to a stable life.


“I have said in the area of housing, that the coming months will be characterised by the turning of keys in locks.


“Housing is one of the most basic of human needs, and the lack of it is both a cause and a symptom of poverty,” Mr Bartlett said.


A Place to Call Home Hobart will provide accommodation for the homeless and a mix of tenants including workers, students, and other low income earners.

It is expected that the project will be fully completed and ready for occupancy by April next year.

Mr Bartlett said the project was a great example of all three tiers of Government working together with private enterprise and the non-government sector for the benefit of the whole community.


The Australian and Tasmanian Government each contributed $5 million to the project.


“That is not only a vital investment in housing for Tasmanians, but a welcome stimulus to keep the Tasmanian economy moving forwards in the face of the current global financial situation,” he said.


The Hobart City Council and Hobart City Mission have made available the site - which they jointly own - at the corner of Liverpool and Barrack Sts.

The City Council will retain ownership and operation of the Liverpool St car park.

The City Mission will sell its part of the site to the State Government and has expressed interest in on-going invovlement once the development has been completed.

Mr Bartlett said the initiative for the development had come from Tasmanian construction firm Fairbrothers.

“Fairbrothers developed the proposal and have proactively secured the involvement of each of the partnering organizations.

“They have also agreed to cut their normal construction margin and developers profit, delivering a saving on normal building costs of around $150,000.”

Ms Plibersek said that A Place to Call Home Hobart is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when governments work with non-government organisations, local businesses and community groups.


“Homelessness is everyone's responsibility and we all need to work together and take responsible action now to reduce homelessness in Australia.”


Ms Thorp said A Place to Call Home Hobart will be the first in Tasmania to be developed and run under the Common Ground principles. This means not only stable housing will be offered but on-site support services such as mental health, social and vocational support services will be on-hand to help break the cycle of homelessness.


“The services provided by A Place to Call Home Hobart will make a big difference in helping people who are homeless make the transition to stable housing.”

According to the Mercury Newspaper the development will be 2 storey but will be built on top of a new deck which will cover the car park - so it will actually be 3 stories overall. Not a scraper but it will add some much needed density in that part of town and is quite a large plot.

Hobart's inner city vacant land sites are rapidly filling up....:)

yep it's good to get the vacant lots filled.
anyone know what ever happened to the plans for a development next to the library in murray street next to murray house?

No idea.

Ok Jimmy - where's Episode III?

there was a big fence around the ract office as I went past this morning.
guess we will start to see some action here now :)

Good news Ordex - my "spies" can be trusted it seems re the 6 April start.

As it is a Fairbrother site it will be interesting to see if the crane whcih was on the Menzies Centre site turns up on this one....

Might try and get some photos too once there is something substantial - i.e demo work for example - to see.

Bigger development than i thought.

Bigger development than i thought.

Yes. When finished it will be about as big as the Cimitire House development you provided us with details on earlier.

Read on as respected demographer Bernard Salt takes us into the past to expose the way environmentalism has prevented projects in the national interest from going ahead.

Recent years have seen the country preoccupied with the shortage of water - but nobody seems to want to touch the obvious solution. Read here how NIMBYs unwashed ally - the Greenie has kept Australia dry for over 20 years...

The setting is Tasmania, hence why we're in this thread...

:D

Franklin my dear, I don't give a dam
Bernard Salt
August 25, 2005

AUSTRALIAN environmentalists won an important victory in 1982. As a consequence of protests by the fledgling green movement, the proposal to dam Tasmania's Franklin River was withdrawn.

Not only did this action save the Franklin, it also set the political agenda for the next two, and possibly up to five, decades.

And the reason for this extraordinary impact from one green campaign is this: no political leader since that event has proposed the building of a major new dam to service metropolitan Australia.

The last new dam added to the water reserves of metropolitan Australia was Sydney's Tallowa, completed in 1977.

State politicians believe that the surest way to be voted out of office is to propose the building of a new dam, so they avoid the subject altogether. State premiers don't like using the d-word.

The political response is to find a solution, any solution, rather than build a new dam, and indeed to remove the whole dam concept from political debate: Out damned dams!



qld gov proposed mary river dam two elections ago... they're still in office.

$15 mil! I was for some reason thinking single story and about $2 mil.

The project I'm really interested in now is Saffire Freycinet, http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=839208
Hobart is really steaming ahead. Anyone read about the $20 million proposal for the wharf shed. Personally i think the whole shed should be demolished into something a lot better! We've only got one chance to do this right, so why cost cut?

^^

Tassie Boy - that proposal is still very much at the consultation stage I think but I reckon you are pretty right about what the final cost will be. Expect an announcement sooner rather than later. I agree with you though I reckon demo it and start from scratch - but I bet they won't.

Also there is a similiar proposal floating around for a shed of the same size on the opposite side of Sullivan's Cove which is likely to be turned into private art gallery and that will be about $20 million too. That is being proposed by teh same guy who is building the $50 million MONA art centre in Hobart's northern suburbs.

And just to add a bit more heat to "Hobart steaming ahead" we havn't even factored in yet the new Myer Centre for central Hobart which will be at least $70 milliion....expect announcements on that later this year.

If all of these projects get a start Hobart won't just be "steaming" it will be cooked!

The Myer development was originally estimated at something like 200 million if I'm not wrong. But everything seems to have stalled. To be honest with you when I heard a Myer in Tasmania had burnt down I was hoping it was the ghastly one up here in Launceston. It's taken a very long time for nothing to happen at the Myer site and it looks very unsightly like (the whole of Launceston) the C.H Smith area up here.

Yes - it is all a bit slow with Myer but the original $200 million proposal was for a complete re-development of Myer Hobart and the Cat and Fiddle Arcade but when the owners of Cat and Fiddle (Centro) pulled out and then the fire happened it just all got too hard, I think.

But the rumors are that something will happen on the site and hopefully a nice new Myer Centre will emerge - like a Phoenix from the Ashes hopefully sooner than later.

Agree about that long vacant Launceston site - its a bit ordinary!

If I remember rightly an article ran in the mercury suggesting that the site may even be given to another developer if nothing happens soon

If I remember rightly an article ran in the mercury suggesting that the site may even be given to another developer if nothing happens soon

You talking about the Myer site in Hobart?

You talking about the Myer site in Hobart?

Yes....kinda off topic. sorry

Don't know if Myer would ever let go of the lease they have over the site....it's possible, I suppose but I still think it is more likely we will get an announcement on a new Myer Centre later this year. My guess is June/July...

I don't think the State Government and the Hobart City Council will allow the site to sit vacant for much longer. It is pretty shocking.....

A couple of years ago I wouldn't have put anything past the HCC.

Work has now started in ernest.

Fairbrother's are busy at work. Most of the top floor of the old 2 storey building was demolished over the Easter break. More to follow then construction of the new 4 storey building will start in earnest after the basement has been fully excavated.

Need to get up there with a camera...:)

yes I saw that when I walked past today.
Will take a pic on the way home or tomorrow on the way in if it's not too wet!

also can we get the thread title changed to UC or something

Ordex - I was up at The Paint Shop at lunchtime and had my camera with me...so the temptation to take a shot or two of the demo work was too strong to resist!

Here they are...

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/8017/photos6010.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos6010.jpg)

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/8760/photos6011.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos6011.jpg)


And can we get a Mod to change the tile to under construction now??

good work op1! yes I thought about taking photos when walking down to work today but there were lots of people following me and I felt like it would have been a bit weird :-/

Thread title changed :)

good work op1! yes I thought about taking photos when walking down to work today but there were lots of people following me and I felt like it would have been a bit weird :-/

So great to see action so soon. What a fugly building it was...

I know what you mean Ordex. Perhaps we all need to carry a hi-vis vest around and then passersby won't think twice!

Cheers for the pics O1.

So great to see action so soon. What a fugly building it was...

I know what you mean Ordex. Perhaps we all need to carry a hi-vis vest around and then passersby won't think twice!

Cheers for the pics O1.

I don't worry too much about the wierdness thing.....people who know me already know I am weird so they don't matter and for those people who don't know me I don't care about, so that's not a problem either! Problem solved.

Thanks for the title change Crawf!:)

All,

New proposal lodged by Housing Tasmania to construct a 3 and 5 storey block of flats at 42 Brisbane Street. The application also involves demolition of some buildings on site. Total cost $8 million.

Here is the text of the application.

The proposal is for a three storey and a five storey building containing a total of 35 flats, the buildings are separated by landscaped courtyard. The proposal will retain the existing façade however all other buildings on the site will be demolished.

A render of sorts can be found on the Council website. This will add some much needed density to this part of town and continues the recent trend for multi storey unit/flat development in Hobart.:)

good news op1!
where-abouts is 42 brisbane???

^^

Cheers Ordex - I had trouble trying to work out precisely where this site was too! It took me about 5 minutes to locate it.

It is in a much overlooked part of the city, which is essentially a large vacant block in Brisbane Street sandwiched between the Golf Shop and Reg McDougalls Chain Saws. If you know where the HCC Melville Street Car Park is (that rather large open site almost opposite McCanns Music) then you walk up that car park hill into Brisbane Street and it is pretty much next door to the northern end of that car park. Its just along from Tilfords and Honda Central but on the opposite side of the street, i think. Anyway, there should be a Council sign on the vacant Medical Supplies building which will be partly demolished.

The buildings will be on a slight ridge so they will add a little bit to the skyline.

Here's the link to the HCC website.

http://www.hobartcity.com.au/HCC/STANDARD/ADVERTISED_APPLICATIONS.html

look for Advertised Applications and the 36-40 Brisbane Street address.

Another proposed low rise to add to the mix already swirling around Hobart at the moment. Will these in-fill buildings never cease?? Hope not. :banana:

Proposal filed by Adelaide based medical company for a 4 level medical centre to be built on an ex-car yard vacant lot in North Hobart.

Here is the text from the application lodged with the Hobart City Council.

4/167-191 Argyle St (Also known as 171 Argyle St), Hobart Demolition and New Consulting Rooms, Offices and Restaurant 13 May 2009

[B]The proposal is for demolition and for a new 3 to 4 level building containing consulting rooms, offices, a restaurant and ancillary parking. The applicant submission states the consulting room use would include ‘day surgery’. The detailed proposal is as follows.
The basement (forming a partial fifth level) would contain plant, a service dock and three parking spaces accessed off of Warwick Street.
Level 1 would contain the main 42 space carpark accessed off of Warwick Street. It would also contain a bicycle storage area and ‘scooter’ park.
Level 2 would be the first of the three levels fronting Argyle Street. It would contain consulting rooms and a front 40 seat restaurant.
Level 3 would contain consulting rooms, ‘clinical suites’, laboratory space and offices.
Level 4 would contain office and consulting room space.

There would be deck area over the three upper levels facing Warwick Street.
The Argyle and Warwick Street facades as well as the rear northeast elevation (facing the Glebe) would feature extensive use of glass, with ‘precast concrete spandrels’ and ‘aluminium shades’. There would be a glass canopy over an atrium extensing the upper three levels.


If approved this will fill in this corner and add a fair bit of density. Total cost is around $20 million so a substantial proposal. Quite a good render can be found on the Council link which is attached.

http://www.hobartcity.com.au/HCC/STANDARD/ADVERTISED_APPLICATIONS.html

Good chance of being approved, I think. This will be the 4th or 5th multi-storey proposal lodged in the last 8 weeks!:)

Like the look of this one!

nice! could someone please post the pic for me, HCC website doesn't seem to work in firefox...

The crane at the Museum of Old and New Art was dismantled yesterday. Hopefully that means it is heading to one of the CBD sites shortly...

That's good to hear. Any Ideas on what site?

Well, if it goes to an existing site then its either Hadley's or the RACT as they have both started.

But, but if neither of them then it could be one of Ali Sultan's two proposed new sites the Wellington Centre or the Bathurst Street Carpark - either which should get a start in the next couple of months. There is also the chance, I suppose, it might end up on the Murray/Liverpool Street Offices site if that still gets a start in September.

^^ Sorry Ordex - the image appears to be locked - I can't work out how to copy it across to this site!:ohno:

Perhaps another forumer might be able to work it out?:) http://www.hobartcity.com.au/go/AdvertisedApps/files/1019_Lot%204,%20171%20Argyle%20Street%20-%208008-SK109.pdf As you can tell this is just a direct link to the HCC web page so once it is removed so will the image....

Love the gasworks concept.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6055/clipboard01dcq.jpg

it looks a pretty cool building design!!!
hope it gets the go ahead, it's not all that tall so can't see why not

i wonder what architectural style from the 20's has influenced this one? ;)

hah yeah I was totally thinking the same thing!

For a low-rise this isn't bad!

Drove past the site on the weekend and all the demo work has now been completed - just some minor tidying up to do.

Expect some foundation/basement excavation work to start soon.

Can't imagine we will see a tower crane on this site given that it is only 4 stories.

yes actually they have dug out quite a fair hole for the basement so far...

yes actually they have dug out quite a fair hole for the basement so far...

Sure have Ordex!..........:)

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8441/photos8001.jpg (http://img14.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos8001.jpg)
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/3148/photos8002.jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos8002.jpg)
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1269/photos8003.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos8003.jpg)

Someone told me Fairbrother's have put a render sign up on site - so someone needs to get there with a camera asap so that we can post the sign and then we can all recall what this building is supposed to look like !!!

Ordex - you walk past the site some mornings don't you? :wink2:

hey yeah I will try to grab a snap on my phone if I walk home tonight

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1853/dsc00595i.jpg

^^ Cheers Ordex - :cheers:

Well - a skyscraper it ain't but it will fill in the streetscape a bit. :)

Its funny how the economy is down shits creek yet all of a sudden Tasmania booms. It's good for us "other state and territorians" because Canberra and Darwin seem to have gone quiet on here. Keep us updated, hope to hear some more proposes and approvals in the near future!:cheers:

Its funny how the economy is down shits creek yet all of a sudden Tasmania booms. It's good for us "other state and territorians" because Canberra and Darwin seem to have gone quiet on here. Keep us updated, hope to hear some more proposes and approvals in the near future!:cheers:

So do we!!! :) Happy to keep you guys up-to-date with what's happening way down south......

Aldermen give new complex go-ahead
BY SEAN FORD (Advocate)
20/05/2009 10:02:00 AM

BURNIE aldermen last night approved a controversial $10 million visitor accommodation development for Queen St.

Aldermen voted 5-2 in favour of a staff recommendation to approve a development application for a six-level complex with a total height of 18-plus metres above finished ground level on vacant land owned by Judith Weller, of Wellers Inn.

That was despite representations opposing it from local residents and others, including three GPs from a clinic next door and the father of State Labor MHA Steve Kons.

Thirty-seven representations were sent to the council.

Steve Kons, who lives opposite, and his father, Arthur, wrote a letter urging local residents to attend the meeting - and about 40 people did, most of whom appeared to oppose the plan going by the widespread scoffing at some statements by supportive aldermen.

Ald John Munro, who moved the motion to approve, said it would be a forward step.

"It will be a very big advantage to the Burnie community and the region," he said.

"We are, I believe, very short of this kind of accommodation."

Ald Sandra French and Ald Steve Green were the two opposed.

"I'm not against progress in any form ... but I am very concerned this is too big, too high in a residential C (zoned) area and will have a huge impact on the surrounding area," Ald French said.

She was also concerned traffic flow in the area had increased since a traffic study for the development was done, because of the council's change to a one- way system along the CBD foreshore.

She said she was most concerned about visual impact and the impact on surrounding areas, including "some of Burnie's oldest homes".

Ald Malcolm Ryan, who voted for approval, said aldermen had to apply the development against the planning scheme.

As such, he said he would find it "very difficult to vote against".

He said he had had concerns about building height, but the highest point - the Queen St corner - would start 6.9m below street level, giving it an overall height of about 11.4m.

"From in the vicinity of Queen St, I don't believe the building will have the impact people believe it will have."

Local businessman Tich Ferencz asked how an 18.2m building in a residential zone was compatible given the planning scheme had a maximum height of 15m in the commercial zone and 7m in the residential B zone.

He was told the scheme had no height restriction for residentialC.

A council staff report said the building was "in significant part" set below ground level at the lower part of a slope, meaning it would appear not as high.

Saffire Freycinet updates

http://www.fairbrother.com.au/projects/images/Freycinet0412.jpg
http://www.fairbrother.com.au/projects/images/Freycinet0408.jpg

^^ Nice photos Tassie Boy.

It is really starting to come along. I hate to think how much a room would cost though!

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6055/clipboard01dcq.jpg

This little project is on the Agenda for tonight's (25 May 2009) Full City Council meeting with a recommendation from the planning department for approval.:banana: Makes a change from the usual negative recommendations for any subtantial new projects.

Looks like it might be a bit of a speculative development so not sure if the developer is serious or not. If approved we will all know in a few months.

Of special interest on the Agenda is a new item setting out a Major New Projects Policy specifically dealing with incentives for developers!! Shock Horror - the Hobart City Council actually doing something positive about attracting and faclilitating major new projects? I must be dreaming.

My spies tell me this might have something to do with the stalled Myer Centre development...........

your spies sound like they are in pretty deep.
are they able to give us any information as to how the new projects policy is going to entice developers.

actually speaking of the myer site, what is the latest with that?

^^ yep - it's like an espisode of Spooks around here sometimes...

The incentives, I understand, are stuff like Rates holidays - i.e the developer /owner pays no rates for a couple of years, or the Council will waive the Building and Plumbing Fees etc or will in some cases actually take an equity stake in the project by putting up some of the development costs on the basis that when its sold they get paid back with a bit of interest. That sort of stuff. Not sure how effective it will be but at least they are trying for once!

Re Myer - currently stalled while the developers and Myer and the other parties are still crunching the numbers to make it work financially. It is a big project - I don't think a lot of people actually realise how big. The best part of $100 million when it is completely finished I would suspect - that's a lot of money for a retail development in Central Hobart. Hopefully, we will all hear something positive in the next few months.

Holes are being dug and some concrete poured for foundations at RACT.

Can an admin please give us back our RACT thread?

I think its best if we leave this thread for buildings under 5 levels.

^^ whatever you say.

Here's a few photos of the hole and foundations...and one more of what we will be getting in about 12 months time.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8224/photos8012.jpg (http://img51.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos8012.jpg)


http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5519/photos8013.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos8013.jpg)

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/736/photos8015.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos8015.jpg)

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/2185/photos8016.jpg (http://img51.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos8016.jpg)

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/9759/photos8017.jpg (http://img359.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos8017.jpg)

I took my wetsuit to the site on the weekend to take a dip, thinking that after all the rain it might have created a nice 25mx25m pool but no, it was empty :clown:

I took my wetsuit to the site on the weekend to take a dip, thinking that after all the rain it might have created a nice 25mx25m pool but no, it was empty :clown:

that said rover, since it's been raining so much I feel a bit sorry for the guys I see working in the mud pit every morning! looks a bit miserable.

Yes, wouldn't be pleasant at all.. I also feel for the poor fellows who ad to construct the tower on Mt Wellington...

Interesting application just gone into the Hobart City Council to install 4 massive wind turbines on top of the ANZ Centre at 22 Elizabeth Street!!!

The cost will be around $400,000 and the things are quite substantial and, imo, incredibly ugly! They will really dominate the surrounding buildings. If it was a set of mobile phone towers the hippies and old fogeys would have a fit but wind turbines....

Can't post an image as in PDF - might be a photo in the paper though someone can copy and post.

This is going to be a really interesting little development -the heritage lobby will go probably nuts and the greenies who normally support them won't know what to do! Should be very funny watching them squirm.

Fun and games girls and boys, fun and games....:lol:

Ugly alright.

I'm all for sustainable living and renewable energy blah blah but these are shocking. The turbines sit right in the middle of Hobart's most popular photo - looking over constitution dock over the city to the mountain. These will totally ruin it.

I can't believe I'm saying this on this forum, but I hope this one gets knocked back...

Time for something to be added to this thread re this project.

Still on track to be completed by the end of this year. Here is a render and a photo taken from the builders website. I understand the tower crane has now gone so the external works must be close to being completed. All up cost is around $55 million. Australia's largest privately funded musuem project. The private art work collection it will house is worth close to $100 million.

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/9982/2884.jpg (http://img10.imageshack.us/i/2884.jpg/)

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/792/2885t.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/2885t.jpg/)

pulled the image of the wind turbines out of the application.
if that gets through I'd be very very surprised!

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/9568/clipboard01htu.jpg

pulled the image of the wind turbines out of the application.
if that gets through I'd be very very surprised!

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/9568/clipboard01htu.jpg

Good work Ordex.

I also think the render the architects have used does not really show the impact these things will have. A first glance seems to suggest that the blades and structures are almost glass like - when it fact they will be solid steel and other materials.

This is going to have a major visual impact and they will be noisy too, I suspect.

If anyone is walking by the Hope and Anchor Tavern (opposite City Hall) on Macquarie St, have a look at the sign that's been put up above ground. In the background of the pub in the picture is an apartment complex which actually sits in front of the apartments which Ali has developed next to the Market Place Carpark. It looks quite good, though not sure if this is a new development or an old artisits impression of the apartments that are now finished.... Can anyone shed some light on this???

If anyone is walking by the Hope and Anchor Tavern (opposite City Hall) on Macquarie St, have a look at the sign that's been put up above ground. In the background of the pub in the picture is an apartment complex which actually sits in front of the apartments which Ali has developed next to the Market Place Carpark. It looks quite good, though not sure if this is a new development or an old artisits impression of the apartments that are now finished.... Can anyone shed some light on this???

Rover, I noticed that sign sometime ago as well but I don't know if it is a current proposal or not. I think it was used as a marketing tool to try and sell the pub before it closed but does not look like it has attracted much interest. That is a pretty dead site.

from front page of today's mercury


http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2009/06/18/79631_todays-news.html

http://www.themercury.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2009/06/18/turbine-story.jpg

WIND-TURBINES have been proposed for the tops of two of Hobart's tallest office blocks to produce power.

Applications have been lodged to erect eight 11-metre-high wind turbines on the ANZ Building in the Elizabeth St bus mall and the Marine Board Building on the waterfront.

Good idea? Tell us what you think in the comment box below

The roof-top turbines would generate about 10 per cent of the buildings' power, architects say.

Each building would have four of the vertical-axis wind turbines, which the applicants said would produce 120,000 kilowatt hours a year.

That was the equivalent of about 12 per cent of the Marine Board Building's total energy consumption and about 10 per cent of the ANZ Building's.

Xsquared Architects have lodged the applications with the Hobart City Council and Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority on behalf of the buildings' owner Robert Rockefeller.

"The building owner wishes to improve the energy efficiency of the existing building with a view to reducing its greenhouse gas emission," Xsquared director Keith Drew said in his applications.

"This will equate to a reduction of approximately 120,000kg of CO2 per annum."

Mr Drew said a Federal Government Green Building Fund grant would help pay for the installation of the turbines on the 1970s Marine Board Building, which was bought by Rockefeller in June last year.

Mr Drew said the proposed turbines were the most efficient of their type available.

A review of the buildings showed improvements to their air-conditioning systems would not result in significant energy savings, Mr Drew said.

Public submissions regarding the ANZ Building can be made to the Hobart City Council by June 26 while those relating to the Marine Board Building closed yesterday.

the anti-development bunnies are having a field day in the comments section :lol:

Cheers Ordex - I must have missed the Marine Board proposal!!

This is going to be great fun to watch.....perhaps we should start writing letters to the Green Councillors on the HCC - you know, one day urging them to vote in favour on sustainability grounds and then the next day saying they should vote against on heritage and cityscape grounds....using different names of course!!!

This story is going to run and run - especially as the HCC prides itself on being supportive of climate change intitiatives - Earth Day etc etc - while still saying its all about maintaining Hobarts views etc.

:lol::lol::lol:

Gees it's confusing following this thread with about 5 different projects being discussed :(

Things are slowly moving along at RACT. Part of the back wall has gone up since yesterday.

Things are slowly moving along at RACT. Part of the back wall has gone up since yesterday.

Need to get that camera phone of yours working again Ordex.....;)

Was at Harvey Norman on the weekend and saw that back wall Ordex mentioned earlier. That site really is a shocking mud hole....!!!!!:) No wonder work is proceeding pretty slowly.

A new proposal for Hobart's Eastern Shore will be considered by a special meeting of the Clarence City Council on Monday.

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/293/villagei.jpg (http://img80.imageshack.us/i/villagei.jpg/)

The all up cost is $50 million. Looks pretty good and will keep a few local builders happy for quite a while. :)

My spies tell me that an announcement will be made in relation to this project sometime this month....that's all I have. Not sure if its good or bad!!

My spies tell me that an announcement will be made in relation to this project sometime this month....that's all I have. Not sure if its good or bad!!

hope it's something of decent size!

in other news I think the builders at the RACT site are gearing up to put in another wall soon.

Well O1, you hit the nail on the head. It's happened a it sooner than we expected. This is from today's Mercury online:

Myer site sale on the cards

DAMIEN BROWN

July 03, 2009 01:41pm

THE possibility of a new Myer store being built in Hobart has all but ended.

The owner of the site – State Government-owned Retirement Benefits Fund – has announced it will sell the vacant Liverpool St site.

The site has been boarded up since the site was cleared after the fire on September 22, 2007.

RBF chairman Damian Egan has said the highly anticipated rebuilding of the Myer store "does not stack up".

*************************************

Probably good news as long as someone is keen to snatch it up and actually do something with it...

Mmmm...well, there you go.

I wonder if Ali Sultan is looking for another car park site in the CBD.....

(Of course, it could just be a cunning plan by the RBF to put the squeeze on Myer to pay more rent :lol:)

Quick, someone get on the phone to David Jones!!

I'm with RBF...go them!

Ah, well that explains it you see. It's a *State Government* owned fund. It's no surprise that the figures don't add up for this State Govt owned fund. Tas governments have a track record of abysmal managment and decisions.

They'll probably end up selling it for a dollar.

Although there's always a chance the new owners could develop it.

Previously I posted a few photos of a new small hotel under construction in Hampden Road, Battery Point. Its pretty much finished now. Looks good.

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/4883/photos10006.jpg (http://img239.imageshack.us/i/photos10006.jpg/)

just a quick snap of RACT's progress from this morning's walk to work.
wall facing harvey norman is going in
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/287/dsc00610m.jpg

just a quick snap of RACT's progress from this morning's walk to work.
wall facing harvey norman is going in
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/287/dsc00610m.jpg

The old cameraphone takes a pretty good photo Ordex...good to see they have spread plenty of gravel around to get rid of some of the mud!

cheers op1!
and here's another shot from last night of the new sections of wall that have gone in

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/9145/dsc00612d.jpg

Nice photo Ordex.

Once a few more of those walls are put in the site will start to look quite good. And with a three floors to be added on top it will probably look a bit higher than the renders.

yep it sure will look good!
also very interested to see why one of the wall panels facing harvey norman is not in line with the others!!!

The last couple of times I've wandered up Montpelier Retreat I've noticed the building where Hobart Pathology is located being refurbsihed on the outside. The old concrete panels have worn away and they're re-rendering the rows between the windows and painting it a nice tan colour. It's a relief because that building is (was) arguably one of Hobart's ugliest. With the combination of that, the Kirksway Place building opposite and Ali's new development (when complete), the area should look nice and fresh and clean again... I took a couple of photos but won't be able to upload until tonight or the weekend...unless someone wants to beat me to it! :)

look forward to seeing the photos rover!

RACT UPDATE: More wall sections were being unloaded and maneuvered into place as I walked past this morning. I will attempt to get a photo of the progress on the way home if it isn't too dark for the camera phone!

The last couple of times I've wandered up Montpelier Retreat I've noticed the building where Hobart Pathology is located being refurbsihed on the outside. The old concrete panels have worn away and they're re-rendering the rows between the windows and painting it a nice tan colour. It's a relief because that building is (was) arguably one of Hobart's ugliest. With the combination of that, the Kirksway Place building opposite and Ali's new development (when complete), the area should look nice and fresh and clean again... I took a couple of photos but won't be able to upload until tonight or the weekend...unless someone wants to beat me to it! :)

Here's some pics of the above:

(Sorry they're tiny photos)

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9280/image01mhn.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/image01mhn.jpg/)


http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7080/image2p.jpg (http://img218.imageshack.us/i/image2p.jpg/)


A big improvement

Here's an article from today's Sunday Tasmanian. Couldn't find it online...

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/618/image0.jpg (http://img355.imageshack.us/i/image0.jpg/)

Good to see someone taking some initiative on this. I don't mind the design, though it doesn't look 10 storeys high and it does look a bit like the entrance to a sports stadium...

Thanks for the photos and press clipping Rover.

That Salamanca building "make over" is long overdue. That building was looking positively tacky.

Can't see the Myer project getting up - looks good but who is going to pay for it? Hopefully, though, someone will come along with the cash to see something happen soon. The State Government should make it a Project of State Significance and give the HCC the flick...that way whatever is finally approved will get built much quicker.

Interesting application just gone into the Hobart City Council to install 4 massive wind turbines on top of the ANZ Centre at 22 Elizabeth Street!!!

The cost will be around $400,000 and the things are quite substantial and, imo, incredibly ugly! They will really dominate the surrounding buildings. If it was a set of mobile phone towers the hippies and old fogeys would have a fit but wind turbines....

Can't post an image as in PDF - might be a photo in the paper though someone can copy and post.

This is going to be a really interesting little development -the heritage lobby will go probably nuts and the greenies who normally support them won't know what to do! Should be very funny watching them squirm.

Fun and games girls and boys, fun and games....:lol:


I'm on a roll...

This is from today's Mercury online:


Hobart's wind-driven future
DAMIEN BROWN

July 20, 2009 09:11am

IN a state first, a plan to install wind turbines on top of Hobart's tallest buildings looks almost certain to get the go-ahead.

The Hobart City Council is recommending that 11m-high turbines on top of the ANZ building, to power the inner-city office block, be given the green light.

A council report obtained by the Mercury shows the proposal to install the turbines on top of the Elizabeth St high-rise received only four public submissions.

Three opposed the development on the basis that it would dramatically change the city's skyline and affect the views of Hobart too much.

And one was in favour because of the practical example the turbines would provide in relation to sustainable technology.

Despite most submissions being against the turbines,

council general manager Nick Heath says in the report the proposal is recommended for approval.

The report will be considered by the city council at its next meeting.

The Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority is yet to make a decision about the installation of similar wind turbines on the roof of the Marine Board building in the historic waterfront area.

Both buildings are owned by prominent Hobart developer Robert Rockefeller.

Authority chief Hadley Sides said further information was being sought about the noise levels of the turbines.

However, Mr Sides said he believed it was only "minor technical data" that was needed.

"But given the building's prominence on the waterfront it is important that any noise issues are investigated fully," he said.

The authority's report is expected by next month.

It is the first large-scale urban plan for wind turbines in the state, although several businesses in rural Tasmania use windfarm-style windmills for power generation.

Hobart City Council report author Tristan Widdowson said Mr Rockefeller had been approached regarding a possible reduction in height of the support towers.

"However, it was stated that due to the adjoining buildings, a reduced height would interfere with wind flow to the turbines and would also be costly for a minimal reduction in the overall height," Mr Widdowson said.

"The wind turbines, although dominant in size, contribute little in bulk to the building due to their design and the white colouring assists in softening the impact of the structures ..."

The report says the likelihood of bird strike is minimal.

Mr Rockefeller was unavailable for comment.

HOW THE GEAR WORKS

• 10kW vertical-axis wind turbines.

• Produce a total of 120,000kW-hours a year or 10 per cent of the ANZ building's energy needs and 12 per cent of the Marine Board building's.

• Operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

• Total height 16.7 metres but on the ANZ Centre they will stand only 11.7m above the rooftop because of their position on the lower-level rooftop.

• The turbines will make the buildings the highest in the CBD and will be visible from suburbs such as South Hobart and West Hobart.

• Manufacturer says turbine noise is less than 32dB at maximum wind speeds.

• 32dB is roughly equivalent to a refrigerator hum or noise inside an inner-city apartment.

^^ right....so although they are 16 metres high they "won't add much due to their lack of bulk".

Well. open slather now for every telco in the country to put 12 metre high mobile phone masts on any building in Hobart they want based on that theory!

Honestly, the hypocrisy of the Hobart City Council when it comes to building heights has to be seen to be believed.....these buildings will now be the highest in the CBD - yet Hadleys extension had to have 5 stories knocked off and the Victoria Street proposal is too high at only 31 metres according to the HCC!!!

Honestly, the hypocrisy of the Hobart City Council when it comes to building heights has to be seen to be believed.....these buildings will now be the highest in the CBD - yet Hadleys extension had to have 5 stories knocked off and the Victoria Street proposal is too high at only 31 metres according to the HCC!!!

the arbitrary height restrictions from the HCC really seem to suggest they have no idea. it's such a joke.

additionally I find it confusing that there is already a general 'vibe' that the marine board building is ugly (I don't personally see that much wrong with it), and so the solution seems to be to put wind turbines on the roof. Won't that look grand!

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/618/image0.jpg (http://img355.imageshack.us/i/image0.jpg/)


Mr Aukland's Myer site design looks strikingly reminiscent of the combine's mobile walls out of Half-Life 2!

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/half-life/en/images/4/43/HalfLife2_MobileWall.jpg

the arbitrary height restrictions from the HCC really seem to suggest they have no idea. it's such a joke.

additionally I find it confusing that there is already a general 'vibe' that the marine board building is ugly (I don't personally see that much wrong with it), and so the solution seems to be to put wind turbines on the roof. Won't that look grand!

I am glad you said this Ordex - I have never found the Marine Board building to be the instrument of satan all the hippy anti development green groups seem to think. It's just a bit on its own - if there were half a dozen more scattered around the waterfront it would be completely inoffensive.

I've noticed two roof-top additions to buildings in the city that I haven't seen mentioned anywhere.
First is on top of the aptly named Construction House (just down the road from the RACT developments).
Second one I noticed was from North Hobart, concrete slabs on top of the roof of a building somewhere towards the CBD, possibly somewhere along Elizabeth st.

I'll try and get out there with the camera tonight and snap some pics if it isn't too dark and track down the mysterious building.

^^ Interesting Ordex - it will be good to see which buildings you are talking about. I suppose even us "eagle eyed" scraper spotters might miss the odd one or two development which slips by.

Also, hopefully, sometime this month the State Government will announce who won the competition in relation to Parliament Square - I might do some snooping to see what I can find out!

Based on an article itn today's Mercury, it looks like there is a chance that the wind turbine proposal might get knocked back....:lol:

Pleasing to see all the building activity about of all scales given the economic climate (apparently the worst is over). Even the smaller developers are investing which is great.

Well it was a wet and windy night, but for some reason I still decided to leave work early in order to have a cruise around town taking photos.

First site I visited was on Warwick st, on the hill just above Elizabeth st. This is the site I could see from the Chickenfeed car park in North Hobart. Still not really sure what it is or going to be.
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4186/p1040269.jpg

Second site was Construction House on the corner of Murray st and Brisbane st. I was a bit excited when I saw a mobile crane there yesterday when walking to work. Doesn't look like much is happening there after all...looks like a lot more from the ground :(
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/674/p1040270.jpg

This new low rise looks quite attractive: link:



http://www.hobartcity.com.au/go/AdvertisedApps/files/1191_34%20Poets%20Rd%20-%20Plans%2026062009.pdf

^^ Cheers Pearcey - a nice looking little project.

Might see some work on the Hobart Waterfront soon if this ABC report is correct. Given that Federal's 100 room pier hotel proposal got the knock back earlier this year, this latest project might be quite significant. :)

Foundry cast off for hotel expansion
Posted 1 hour 1 minute ago

Tasmania's Federal Group is planning to extend its hotel accommodation on the Hobart waterfront.

The company has bought the Retlas foundry site, forcing the foundry to close today after more than 100 years of casting.

Federal's corporate affairs manager, Brendan Blomeley, says the historic building will be redeveloped.

"We're yet to specify the end product, a few concepts are being worked through at the moment but definitely rooms will be a big component," he said.

"There is a shortage of rooms here on Hobart's waterfront and this additional site will allow us, in conjunction with the Henry Jones Art Hotel, to meet that demand."

According to the Mercury Newspaper the development will be 2 storey but will be built on top of a new deck which will cover the car park - so it will actually be 3 stories overall. Not a scraper but it will add some much needed density in that part of town and is quite a large plot.

Hobart's inner city vacant land sites are rapidly filling up....:)

Quick up-date re this project - article in Saturday's (26/7/) paper said that Housing Tasmania have been reworking the plans to fit an extra 2 units into the project. A full set of plans and Development Application will be lodged with the Hobart City Council "imminently" with construction still planned to commence later this year. :)

Quick up-date re this project - article in Saturday's (26/7/) paper said that Housing Tasmania have been reworking the plans to fit an extra 2 units into the project. A full set of plans and Development Application will be lodged with the Hobart City Council "imminently" with construction still planned to commence later this year. :)

op1: I am struggling to remember what this was in reference to...this thread being a gigantic mess doesn't help! Is this the car park on the corner of barrack and liverpool next to the pickled frog backpackers???

op1: I am struggling to remember what this was in reference to...this thread being a gigantic mess doesn't help! Is this the car park on the corner of barrack and liverpool next to the pickled frog backpackers???

That's the one Ordex! :) Yes, I had look back through the thread to find my original post!!

Apparently, there is a small Information Board up at the site but don't know if there are any renders on it. Will have to wait for the full plans, I suspect.

Any news on the Myer development? AFAIK not many will be popping up for some time yet, Townsville's has been delayed until the retail market recovers.

City wind power snub

MICHELLE PAINE

July 28, 2009 02:00am

A PLAN to put 11m-high wind turbines on an Elizabeth St office block has been knocked back by Hobart City Council.

But supporters said the proponent, building owner Robert Rockefeller, was likely to appeal against the refusal, which could be overturned by a planning tribunal.

Several aldermen said the structures would destroy Hobart's view of Mt Wellington.

A 3D display shown to aldermen convinced at least two to vote against the turbines.

And Ald Peter Sexton cited research suggesting the ANZ building was power hungry, using more than twice the energy of an average block its size, negating the 10 per cent energy saving from turbines.

Several aldermen were furious at the proposal.

"This does set a precedent. One of the most important elements of our cultural heritage is our mountain. Do you really believe our tourists want to look at that (turbines)?" Ald Darlene Haigh said.

Ald John Freeman said the plan was the most "extraordinary" he had seen.

"If we approve this, there is no way known we can say no to others. Why do it? There are plenty of places you can place wind turbines and put the power into the grid. It interferes with the best view of the mountain," Ald Freeman said.

Ald Jeff Briscoe asked what less visible measures had been taken to improve power efficiency in the building.

"The concept of a building generating its own power is fantastic but I haven't seen too much double-glazing of windows, energy audits, solar panels. I would have thought people would do those first instead of a very obvious green attempt that would intrude into everybody else's space," Ald Briscoe said.

Ald Elise Archer said the decision was not about politics, policy or economics, but about planning.

"If it was based on my politics, I would be voting for it because I support renewable energy. But we are talking about 11.7m above a roof top," she said.

Ald Sexton quoted figures suggesting the building could improve its efficiency just a little to provide the same savings of the turbines.

Greens alderman Bill Harvey said climate change needed strong measures.

"Tasmania . . . is about 30 per cent powered by coal. I believe these would be a feature of the city and hopefully contribute to the debate on sustainability," Ald Harvey said.

The three Greens aldermen, Helen Burnet, who led the push for the turbines, Ald Harvey and Philip Cocker, and acting lord mayor Eva Ruzicka voted in favour.


Thank goodness for that. 11.7m above the roof-top! My gosh, what were they thinking