PROMINENT Hobart property developer Ali Sultan has submitted plans for a multi-million-dollar mixed-use development in Montpelier Retreat.
A development application to the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority is advertised today for public comment.

Mr Sultan brought the Hobart City Council-owned vacant site which fronts Montpelier Retreat and Kirksway Place at auction for $3.6 million in October 2005.

A condition of the sale was the developer provide a minimum of 150 public car spaces.

He surpasses that in his application, proposing an underground public car park for 436 vehicles.

Other components will be a two-level internal shopping lane incorporating shops, cafes, restaurants and commercial suites; a cinema centre; strata-title office space; a 44-room boutique four-star hotel; 34 residential apartments; and pedestrian links and public spaces including a garden courtyard on the site of Reverend Robert Knopwood's former cottage.

More ... http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23972392-921,00.html


http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6129888,00.jpg

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6129889,00.jpg


Google Map of location - http://maps.google.com.au/?ie=UTF8&ll=-42.887544,147.330973&spn=0.002574,0.005338&t=h&z=18

436 carbays? What a waste of space.

I hope it turns out better then those renders. Hobart deserves striking modern architecture as much as any major city.

436 carbays? What a waste of space.

What do you mean? The land is a car park right now, and Salamanca has a massive lack of car parking spaces. Plus, the car parks are underground, so how is it a waste of space?


I hope it turns out better then those renders. Hobart deserves striking modern architecture as much as any major city.

Yeah, but sadly, anything new and different gets struck down. There are anti-development people everywhere here. The reason Ali Sultan's developments are so popular here is because he is reasonably modest. See http://sultanholdings.com.au/index.php/profile for some examples.

looks good, how high will the tallest building be?

Doesn't say, but looks like no more than 5-6 stories.

Good news.

The Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority has today (28 August 2008) substantially approved the development for the old car park site with only a few conditions. The major one appears to be a reduction in height (suprise suprise) of the overall building to RL 41.0 and the deletion of a cantilever section over part of the main entrance. There are also some minor changes which are more asthetic in nature.

The proposal now needs to get Works Application approval from the Tasmanian Heritage Council (which will, no doubt, object in part - they are a bunch of old backwards looking farts after all) before it can proceed much further.

It will be interesting to see how the developer reacts. Still it is good that it has, at least, got this far.:)

this is a nice improvement for this corner which has always been a bit yucky. shame about the height restrictions but at least it helps fill out the city

Surpisingly, the Tasmanian Heritage Council has approved the development with effect from 3 September 2008. They have only added 4 conditions - the major one being that an archaelogist do some test digs and then prepare a report outlining what they find in relation to the location and extent of Knopwood's Cottage. That report must then be taken into consideration before building and bulk excavation approval is given.

Who knows how long that will take but if we assume that 3 months is not an unreasonable period, we might see some action on site before the end of the year. :banana:

When (if) the developer does start - one thing is for sure - it is going to be a very large and a very deep hole by Hobart standards!

An appeal has been lodged against the development- don't know the details yet but the process will now have to go to the Planning Tribunal if the parties cannot sort out the issue. Whatever happens the construction phase will be delayed.:ohno: Should not be suprised - this is Hobart after all - the place is absolutely full of anti development idiots.

that's disgusting!

Disgusting, but bloody typical.

An appeal has been lodged against the development- don't know the details yet but the process will now have to go to the Planning Tribunal if the parties cannot sort out the issue. Whatever happens the construction phase will be delayed.:ohno: Should not be suprised - this is Hobart after all - the place is absolutely full of anti development idiots.

I wonder if this is a heritage issue or a complaint from a nearby business (who will lose their water views for example!). Either way, hopefully it's only a small problem.

Was down at Salamanca Friday night and cannot believe how ugly that site is. Whatever the size of this development, something just needs to go there...

The appeal has been listed in the Planning Tribunal for 23 September so they are moving with some speed - which is a good thing and I 100% agree with Rover that something really needs to be built on that site sooner rather than later - it really is a disgrace!!

Still don't know who is appealing or on what grounds.

Details have now emerged about the appeals - other local business interests appear to be behind them. This is a link to the local news story. Hobart has now entered the era where the planning system is being used for commerical protection reasons. Shame.:ohno:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/09/15/2364903.htm

Hmmm. Well after writing and re-writing this post many times, I've decided it's best to say not much, apart from those reasons are rediculous. There's already two major buildings on that block.

I hope for Ali's sake that that it goes ahead as planned. He tries so hard for us all...

what sort of heritage values could a car park have I wonder...

^^ maybe only vintage cars ever parked there...........:lol:

The multi-party appeal to this development has now been set down for for the final hearing.

The key issues are the requirement for the removal of the penthouse level of the development and some additional set back of the remaining floors. Given the overall scale of the development I can't see either of these being a show stopper. These conditions were imposed by the planning authority.

The only other remaining issue is the schedule for the project. Apparently the geotech reports have suggested that the dolerite rock is particuarly hard and dense. Given that the proposal requires 6 levels of underground car parking the removal of all that hard rock will require some substantial equipment which will translate into a fair bit of noise and dust during the excavation phase. The appeal will essentially decide the order in which it will be done and what measures have to be taken to minimise the impact on neighbouring properties. Common sense suggests that is also something that should be capable of being sorted.

So with a bit of luck and some common sense all round we might see some ground work on site by the middle of next year.

An update from www.sultanholdings.com.au -

Construction to begin mid-late 2009 and take approx 24-30 months. Looks like a new render too...

(You've probably already know from my 1 Market Pl post!) :sly:

http://sultanholdings.com.au/inc/image.php?file=239_MontpelierWeb.jpg&fit=true&border=true

Thanks Lance for the render.

Not exactly a scraper by any stretch of the imagination, but it will help with Hobart's density in that part of the city a lot.

so is the 6 levels of underground car park still going to go ahead?

As far as I can find out yes.

The remaining major issue with the Planning Appeals Tribunal concerns the order and type of construction. Some of the surrounding land owners are worried about their building foundations and the noise and dust which the deep excavations will cause.

It is just a question of working out how that can proceed with the minimum level of disruption - not if it should proceed. Council wants the 650 public car spaces badly especially on weekends when Salamanca Market is in full swing.

The dispute still might settle even when the hearing starts.

Not exactly a scraper by any stretch of the imagination,
6ish stories above + 6 stories below = 12 ish storeys total. So it would be one of Hobart's tallest, if it weren't half underground

^^

Lol. Too true castrovalva. Hobart seems to be flirting with the underworld....the new Emergency Department at the Royal Hobart Hospital is competely underground, the proposed redevelopment of the Museum and Art Gallery includes a big chunk of underground walkways and galleries and now half of Montpelior Retreat will be out of sight. :nuts:

Hope the "fad" does not continue.

^ underground carparks though are far more aesethic than ugly above ground ones. if it was the choice between a 6 storey carpark with 6 storeys of office etc on top, or 12 storeys of office etc with the 6 storeys of carpark underground, what would you prefer?

^ underground carparks though are far more aesethic than ugly above ground ones. if it was the choice between a 6 storey carpark with 6 storeys of office etc on top, or 12 storeys of office etc with the 6 storeys of carpark underground, what would you prefer?


Definitely the latter, LanceDriver, definitely the latter - I think Hobart's got the carpark/office combo down pat, with another to go up soon (that will be two on two adjacent blocks...). :ohno:

I have lived in Sydney and can honestly say I don't remember seeing a major above-ground carpark in the CBD (I was most impressed with the one beneath Wynyard with the exit that comes out near the Rocks). Now that's freeing up rare and prime land...

Now for Hobart: 1 carpark in Argyle St (about to at least double in size), 1 at Centrepoint, 1 in Trafalgar, 1 in Bathurst Street and 1 in Market Place - all for a city of 200,000!

Have just had another look at http://sultanholdings.com.au/index.php/commercial and noticed registrations of interest for the 'Blue Rock Hotel' are being welcomed - a 44-room boutique hotel as part of the development. A nice name and some much needed accommodation capacity for the area...

Now for Hobart: 1 carpark in Argyle St (about to at least double in size), 1 at Centrepoint, 1 in Trafalgar, 1 in Bathurst Street and 1 in Market Place - all for a city of 200,000!

Without a doubt would say the lack of public transport has something to do with this!

^ underground carparks though are far more aesethic than ugly above ground ones. if it was the choice between a 6 storey carpark with 6 storeys of office etc on top, or 12 storeys of office etc with the 6 storeys of carpark underground, what would you prefer?

I don't like beautiful things, they make me feel uncomfortable:nuts: I will go with the ugly 12 storey building over a pretty 6 storey one everytime.

haha optomistone, spoken like a true skyscraper-starved hobartian!

Whats the need to build ugly skyscrapers like in Adelaide?? Keep them short like Launceston. :lol:

I Was only joking by the way, Hobart and Launceston are two completely different cities. But i don't think Hobart needs anything over 20 stories as it would look out of place.

A photo of the model of the development which has been inserted into the master model of the area controlled by the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority at its headquarters in Franklin Street.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7550/photos003.jpg (http://img4.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photos003.jpg)

Not the best image granted, but it gives an idea of how the development will fit amongst exisiting buildings. It works well I think and will really help density wise in that part of town.

The appeal is still underway but should be resolved shortly. Hopefully, construction will still start in the last quarter of 2009.

The Appeal against the development has been determined. Here is the text of the Conclusion.

Conclusion

56. In summary, at the risk of repetition, the Tribunal is well satisfied that the proposal demonstrates unequivocally a high level of compliance with the requirements of the Scheme in every material aspect.

57. There will be an order varying the decision appealed against only in terms of condition 15 referred to above, in respect of a condition dealing with upper storey treatment which will be set out below and in respect of the right of way issue. So far as the final issue is concerned the parties are directed to submit to the Tribunal within 14 days of the date of this decision the draft terms (if any) of that condition.

58. It will be a further condition of the permit that so far as upper level apartments are concerned:

• All levels are to have non reflective external finishes in muted colours, which colours are chosen with a view to imparting a regressive quality to the building form;

• Balcony balustrades including framing are to have low reflective materials and finishes, which materials are chosen with a view to imparting a regressive quality to the building form;

• Balcony lighting sources are to be screened from public view and not directly reflect from any surfaces above them.

59. The Tribunal will entertain any application for an order for costs in this appeal, if made to the Tribunal in writing with supporting submissions within the next fourteen days. If requested the Tribunal will reconvene to hear any evidence in respect of any matter bearing on an order for costs.

60. In the absence of any such application for an order for costs the order of the Tribunal is that each party bear its own costs.



Result!:) :):banana:

I suppose the losing parties could always appeal to the Supreme Court but they would probably lose that as well. I suspect that they won't,

So with some luck we should see a start towards the end of the year! Woo Hoo.!!

The final Planning Permit from the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority (SCWA)has now come through dated 8 April 2009.

A few changes from the Appeal but nothing major. The most significant from our perspective is the deletion of Level A7 - which if you look at my photo of the model in Post #34 - is, I think the small penthouse type structures on the very top of the development. Once they have been removed the landscaping - the green bit - is then to be set back to cover the removed bits. The developer also has to widen some stair access and ensure the building is not over RL 41.0.

One interesting observation is the ultra deep car park will finish up 4.5 metres below current tidal level within 45 metres of the original 1804 shoreline - so the builders/designers have to be aware of possible "tidal ingress"...

So next step is the developer to lodge amended plans taking into account the new conditions of the Permit for approval by the SCWA and once that goes through construction can pretty much commence. At this stage I reckon we will still see a start before Chrsitmas but only preparatory stuff - no major excavations.:)

it seems very expensive to build a car park underground, but hey it looks nicer and that's really cool. can't wait to see some action on the site.
so does that mean the overall height of the building is going to be 41 + 4.5 ... 45.5m?

Ordex

I have to admit I am not an expert on these things but that seems logical - the car park excavation from memory will result in a 7 level structure which must be at least 15 metres deep so adding on top of that a 30 metre high building gets us to the 45 metre overall height from basement to roof line.

Pity so much is underground!!

It is a shame so much is underground, but it will look nicer, and keep the nimby's happy - anyone know how many parking spots are in the existing area and how many are in the final approved plan?

It is a shame so much is underground, but it will look nicer, and keep the nimby's happy - anyone know how many parking spots are in the existing area and how many are in the final approved plan?

Chuq

The present site holds around 100 give or take. The final plan will park 436.

:)

More movement on Hobarts waterfront proposed. Extract from Hobart Mercury story...

ONE of Hobart's waterfront landmarks could be transformed using a plan by the University of Tasmania to revamp the wharf area.
Today, the Mercury can reveal what Hobart's waterfront would look like under a concept plan by the university to build a $4.5 million Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies in Sullivans Cove.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Daryl Le Grew yesterday confirmed the proposal involved the demolition of Princes Wharf No. 2 and replacing it with a modern "wharf-like" building.

He said Melbourne architect John Wardle and Tasmanian company Terroir had designed a three-storey building, including a ground floor with a dedicated public space, which could be up and running by 2012.

"It will complement the CSIRO labs next door and open up the apron along Princes Wharf," he said.

"We want No. 1 and No. 2 to work together and we want to use the public area to share information about climate change and the state of the southern oceans.

"Many people don't realise 70 per cent of Antarctic scientists in Australia are in Hobart."

He said the new building would engage the public with its cafes and meeting spaces and an area for public exhibitions.

Given it was prime real estate on Hobart's waterfront, Prof Le Grew said the aim was to open it to the wider public.

With a $15 million makeover already under way on the neighbouring Princes Wharf No. 1, home of the Taste Festival, there were rumblings surrounding the possible knocking down of the No. 2 wharf shed.

State Architect Peter Poulet said he would examine the detail of the university plans.

"It is my understanding that the ground level will be quite accessible to the public and the surrounds will provide a better environment for everyone," he said.

But the new use of the area remains a contentious issue for the tourism sector.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive officer Daniel Hanna said use of the area should have gone to public consultation and not just handed to the university.

"Princes Wharf No. 2 is a most valuable piece of real estate in Tasmania -- conservatively worth $4 million on the open market," Mr Hanna said yesterday.

"The State Government needs to test the market and see what ideas are put forward, then evaluate how they stack up against the university proposal in terms of jobs, investment and in providing a return to the state.

"Giving this site to the university without a proper process, to be used for a not-for-profit, institutionalised office block is just plain wrong."

Public consultations on the new plan is to begin with six sessions held this week; today, tomorrow and Friday at the UTAS Alan Bray Room. Call 1800 172 173 to register.

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/7663/design1t.jpg (http://img835.imageshack.us/i/design1t.jpg/)

Typo in the story - the project is worth $45 million not 4.5!!

^^ Another view of the proposed building. Looks even better from this perspective. Hope it gets approved. :)

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7815/imas1.jpg (http://img64.imageshack.us/i/imas1.jpg/)

Another render of the proposed IMAS building - from the UTAS website.

Community consultation has now closed so the next step will be the Uni finalising the plans prior to submission to the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority for approval. Project scheduled for completion by December 2012.

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/8356/murrayo.jpg (http://img824.imageshack.us/i/murrayo.jpg/)

The waterfront is Hobarts most important place as far as tourism, and socialising goes. The UTAS proposal is a ridiculous use of the site, such a research centre can be placed anywhere in Hobart, it has no NEED of waterfront property, its a waste. Hope it gets knocked back for something more along the lines of fitting with the general use of the area. Besides its really ugly, surely theres a designer out there who can pull something truly magnificent for a site that should have been fought over tooth and nail by hundreds of developers.

The Sultan proposal looks good for Montpelier retreat besides the fact that the exterior looks shite, but at least something is happening there, and that car park is badly needed. Now they can perhaps remove parking on the warehouse side of salamanca and widen the footpaths for better access and more outdoor dining. Hopefully the actual buildings of the sultan proposal will blend a bit more with the area than in the renders cos much as I hate to say it....it is salamanca our most treasured area, have no problem with the height though (should be higher!:nuts:)

Hope it gets knocked back for something more along the lines of fitting with the general use of the area. Besides its really ugly, surely theres a designer out there who can pull something truly magnificent for a site that should have been fought over tooth and nail by hundreds of developers.


The Sultan proposal looks good for Montpelier retreat besides the fact that the exterior looks shite, but at least something is happening there, and that car park is badly needed. Hopefully the actual buildings of the sultan proposal will blend a bit more with the area than in the renders cos much as I hate to say it....it is salamanca our most treasured area, have no problem with the height though (should be higher!:nuts:)

A few other people have made the same comments about the IMAS building but the problem is the planning scheme. A developer wanting to build something on this site will want to build big and that is not allowed so that restricts how much money can be made. Also the costs of construciton will be very high because you are building on a 50 year old somewhat dubious concrete wharf. I doubt a developer would spend the money because the economics would not be that good. I suspect the Uni will get its way as it has the cash already, plans ready to go, the neighbours won't mind a shed full or relatively quiet scientists and they want to build next door to the CSIRO.

The Sultan proposal is a good one. But he has to finish the Wellington Centre, the Bathurst Street Car Park and the Springs Hotel projects first. So I don't reckon we will see a start until at least 2012. It will be good when it is built though.

Extract from Uni of Tas website - article posted today.

A development application for the new $45 million building for the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies has been lodged with the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Daryl Le Grew said the plans for the Princes Wharf 2 site would be a significant addition to Hobart’s waterfront, not only adding to the scientific and Antarctic hub but also the cultural amenity of the precinct.

Preliminary consultations have been undertaken with interested members of the community as well as key stakeholders since the State Government announced in August that it would transfer the site to the University.

“The University wants and fully expects this to be a very open process of consultation and assessment through the state’s planning authorities and we encourage everyone to look at the plans which will be available on the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority website as well as through the UTAS website,” Prof Le Grew said.

“That initial consultation has shown a healthy level of support for the plans by award-winning architects, John Wardle Architects in conjunction with local architects, Terroir.

“We would anticipate works could start following the summer festivals next year.”

Prof Le Grew said the new home for IMAS will recognise the significance of Tasmania’s proximity to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and the importance of the marine environment for both science and industry. The funding of $45 million for the building has been allocated from the Australian Government’s Education Infrastructure Fund.

“I applaud the value that the State Government places on the educational potential of this emerging University institute,” he said.

The IMAS building will have a gross floor area of approximately 7,500 square metres, constructed over three levels with a strong public and port interface, particularly along Castray Esplanade and the wharf apron. The building will not be greater in height than the adjacent CSIRO facility.

It would be good to see another project underway early next year.:)

Lots of objections have been lodged over this project ^^. Usual whingers complaining about loss of views, car parking, heritage and related nonsense. The most stupid ones are from the business community. Ironic that they wanted waterfront businesses down there but I can guarantee that if it was likely that a mainland company was going to move in with lots of new businesses which directly competed with local ones, the local business objections would soon stop and then they would all say a research facility is a great idea!

Looks like the Uni may have a bit of a fight on its hands :ohno: although I suspect the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority will utlimately approve it.

Hobart has so much potential. Its setting is the best in this country, yet it is not exploted to its best potential as a city. I would love if Melbourne was situated in anything near that nice a setting.

The waterfront is a great chance to connect the water as a real asset for the city.

SCWA approved the IMAS building on 9 December 2010!! :banana:

Not sure if any objections lodged or if it will go to the Planning Tribunal but its a good start so far. We will know for sure once we see Priness Wharf Shed No2 start being demolished!

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7815/imas1.jpg[/IMG] (http://img64.imageshack.us/i/imas1.jpg/)

Appeal against this devleopment rejected by the Planning Tribunal this afternoon. :)

Now, we have to wait 28 days to see if the objectors appeal the dismissal of their appeal to the Supreme Court - doubt that they will, it would be good money after bad.

Expect demolition of the existing shed to start within the next three months.

............yay.........? why do I not feel happy about a research and postgraduate study centre next to a multi purpose function venue amidst the busiest entertainment district in Tasmania............

............yay.........? why do I not feel happy about a research and postgraduate study centre next to a multi purpose function venue amidst the busiest entertainment district in Tasmania............

Cheer Up Aussie Abroad, at least it looks like Hobart will soon be getting a brand new 6 storey Myer department store. So that's something to be pleased about...

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/30/3178107.htm?site=hobart&section=news&date=(none)

http://sultanholdings.com.au/inc/image.php?file=239_MontpelierWeb.jpg&fit=true&border=true

Might need to up-date this project soon. My spies tell me Ali is keen to push ahead and his office is currently dealing with multiple applications for tenancies. So that is a good sign.

In terms of scheduling projects, he has three still in the pipeline and I don't know what the status is of his Bathurst Street car park project or The Springs development.

But he seems on track to substantially finish the Wellington Centre by early next year. Perhaps he is hoping for a mid 2012 start on either Montpelier or Bathurst Street. But which one? Time will tell no doubt.

Hopefully Montpelier retreat, last thing Hobart needs is another ugly car park. Seems Argyle st will be turning into one concrete wall full of cars. At least Montpelier retreat is a mixed use venue. Although I'm very surprised Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority are allowing a development like that based on its image, then again they did let monstrosities like Zero Davey get built.

Well, I did some digging over the weekend and it seems that construction of Montpeilor Retreat is scheduled for the begining of 2013 with a staged finish date of certain sections of December 2014 - so a 2 year build.

That time line means that Ali will pretty much finish off the Wellington Centre at the end of this year and I suspect the 12 month gap will be used to make a start on the Bathurst Street Carpark. That is just my guess, but it seems logical and is in line with how Ali has staged his other major Hobart projects.

Anyway, we will all know in the next 6 months or so because we can expect some demoliiton to start on Bathurst Street over Christmas 2011 if his plans reflect the above.

Either way, Hobart can expect some more multi storey construction begiinng 2012. :)

Nicely investigated Op1. That's a fair way away for Montpellier but good that it's still in the pipeline...

Ive been to Hobart before and its a nice small compact city, the views look at the city with Mt Wellington in the background-you cant replicate in any other city throught Australia.

The waterfront has so much potential...Sydney Harbour look out lol...

Might need to up-date this project soon. My spies tell me Ali is keen to push ahead and his office is currently dealing with multiple applications for tenancies. So that is a good sign.

In terms of scheduling projects, he has three still in the pipeline and I don't know what the status is of his Bathurst Street car park project or The Springs development.

But he seems on track to substantially finish the Wellington Centre by early next year. Perhaps he is hoping for a mid 2012 start on either Montpelier or Bathurst Street. But which one? Time will tell no doubt.

Might need to up-date this project. Due to a stuff in Ali's office, the 2 year planning approval has lapsed!! :ohno: He has had to re-apply for fresh permission, but hopefully, no-one will object as he said he hopes to make a start on this project at the end of the year. Date for submissions close on 17 June 2011.

Might need to up-date this project. Due to a stuff in Ali's office, the 2 year planning approval has lapsed!! :ohno: He has had to re-apply for fresh permission, but hopefully, no-one will object as he said he hopes to make a start on this project at the end of the year. Date for submissions close on 17 June 2011.

Yikes...poor old Ali. Some low life has appealed against the application to re-new the planning approval required when the 2 year approval period expired without any substantial construction - so its back to the Planning Tribunal for this one. Directions Hearings start next week. :ohno:

Can't see the objectors getting up, but it will probably cause a slight delay to the schedule.

Macquarie Wharf Shed No 2

Article from today's Hobart Mercury - another Hobart wharf shed to get a makeover plus expressions of interest being callled for Macquarie Wharf shed No 1.:)

HOBART cruise ship visits and Antarctic research were given a boost yesterday with the announcement of the redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf No. 2 shed.

The revamped $7 million wharf project will provide a dedicated cruise terminal for passenger arrivals with new traffic arrangements for tour buses and taxis, as well as a dedicated logistical base for Antarctic and Southern Ocean operations.

Both the cruise ship sector and Antarctic research are considered critical markets to the Tasmanian economy. About 75,000 cruise visitors are expected this season and the highest number of Antarctic scientists per head of population in Australia are based in Hobart, TasPorts chairman Dan Norton said.

"This is a remarkable development for Tasmania, which is fitting as we welcome substantial growth in cruise ship visits for the coming season and prepare to celebrate Antarctic exploration with the upcoming centenary event," he said.

Dr Norton said it was a welcome and timely boost for Tasmania's Antarctic research sector and cemented Hobart's place as the Antarctic gateway, defying speculation of losing the title to Fremantle or another Australian port city.

Infrastructure Minister David O'Byrne said the development was an important investment for Tasmania's economy.

"The Antarctic sector alone is worth at least $182 million to Tasmania annually and the upgrade of Macquarie No. 2 shed during the Antarctic centennial year will enhance Tasmania's reputation as the centre of Australia's Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Southern Ocean science and research activities," he said.

"The development will be split into two areas. The cruise ships at one end, the Antarctic division at the other and a very flexible space in the middle."

TasPorts chief executive Paul Weedon said the shape of the building would remain but it would be converted into a more modern facility.

"It's how we treat the building, open it up, improve the lights. Improve community access to the building, improve the flow of people through the facility," he said.

"The initial concept designs take into consideration the historical and cultural value of the shed's facade, seeking to revitalise it structurally and refit internally to provide flexible floor space for activities and operations undertaken by our cruise and Antarctic customers."

The plans will be finalised over the next two months and approvals then sought.

Building will not begin until the end of this cruise season with 32 scheduled visits between October and May.

The development is expected to take up to two years.

TasPorts is now calling for expressions of interest for the redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf No. 1 after a proposal by MONA founder David Walsh was withdrawn.

TasPorts said the release of the landmark waterfront site would be subject to some conditions to make the area more tourist and people-friendly.

Builders sheds and temporary fencing has now been installed around the PW2 shed. Full scale demolition is scheduled for next month with some preliminary work already underway inside the shed iitself.

This will be an interesting build due to the need to drill foundation piles through the existing concrete wharf decking and down into the sea bed underneath.

Work still proceeding on the new IMAS headquarters....from today's Hobart Mercury newspaper.

The Princes Wharf No.2 shed on Hobart's waterfront is no more.

A machine called ``the cruncher'' was employed by project managers in a bid to keep dust and noise to a minimum as the $45 million Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) project entered its demolition phase.

The demolition of the Princes Wharf No 2 Building on Castray Esplanade was the second stage of the project which will see a new state-of-the-art building constructed to house scientists who undertake marine research.

The cruncher, an excavator which can carry a number of versatile attachments, was fitted with a mechanical jaw which bit off one-metre square segments of the shed wall and then deposits them in a truck.

The week before, the cruncher had a ``big pair of scissors'' attached which snipped off the building's steel girders.

Construction of the new building will start in the New Year after the waterfront has hosted a myriad of crowd-pulling events.

The project, which was funded through the Commonwealth's Education Investment Fund, should be finished in mid 2013 and bring about 300 marine and Antarctic researchers together in one scientific ``headquarters.''

IMAS was created as a University Institute in 2010 and is currently based at the Sandy Bay campus.

Demolition started after structural reinforcement was carried out on the adjoining CSIRO building.

The IMAS project is expected to create new opportunities for Tasmania where the Antarctic sector is already worth over $182 million a year and employs about 840 people.

Premier Lara Giddings said the location of IMAS next to the CSIRO would allow for greater research collaboration and strengthen Tasmania's important international role in marine and Antarctic science and research.

The IMAS project is one of several which will revitalise Hobart's waterfront.

An expression of interest process for the redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf No. 1 Shed has been launched and Macquarie Wharf No. 2 Shed is being redeveloped to support the Australian Antarctic Division and the French Antarctic program, as well as a new international cruise ship terminal and the recent redevelopment of Princes Wharf Number 1 Shed.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9454/pw2gonewide.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/220/pw2gonewide.jpg/)

Another of Hobart's wharf sheds to get a makeover...Hobart Mercury. Boring.....waste of an opportunity to do something exciting but nonsense 'heritage' crap still rules...:ohno:

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/8159/wharf1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/wharf1.jpg/)


DESIGN plans for a $7 million redevelopment of Hobart's Macquarie Wharf No. 2 shed have been released.

The Antarctic and cruise ship hub should be built in time for the 2012-13 summer season, Tasports chief executive Paul Weedon said.

Artist's impressions of the shed redesign
He said the modern design would retain the historic foundations of the shed.

"The design does not alter the historic or cultural value of the shed exterior but remediates it structurally to improve community access, flexible floor space and dedicated cruise and Antarctic operational areas," Mr Weedon said.

Tasmania will next year welcome its biggest cruise ship, the Voyager of the Seas, the world's seventh-largest, carrying 5000 passengers and crew -- equivalent to 12 jumbo jets landing at once.

It carries twice as many people as the Celebrity Century cruise ship that visited on Friday and dwarfed the Mawson flotilla vessels.

Mr Weedon said he hoped construction would start in May after a tender process.

The designs will be on display next week and on the Tasports website.

Drove past the site the other day and a couple of black pile driving rigs are on site.

Looks like they are punching their way right through the concrete wharf apron and down into the sea bed.

Hopefully, one of us Hobart SSC members might be able to take a few photos...:)

A long way off into the future but when it happens it will create Tasmania's largest urban building site for many years to come....Hobart Mercury again.

TASMANIA is on the brink of securing $50 million for the remediation of the Hobart railyards site, paving the way for a billion dollars of investment in the city.

The Gillard Government is set to make a decision within days.

The State Government and MP Andrew Wilkie have both been negotiating with federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese to clinch the deal.

Mr Wilkie told the Sunday Tasmanian he'd been in talks with Mr Albanese for the past few weeks.

"It would be fair to say the Federal Government sees the enormous merit of the project [and Mr Albanese] understands this is a real game changer," he said. "It's literally a city-changing project in terms of what it will do for Hobart and Southern Tasmania."

Mr Wilkie said discussions were "proceeding well".

If the money comes through, it will be the second major announcement of federal funding in less than a week. On Friday federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek announced a $356 million bailout of the state's ailing health system.

Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister David O'Byrne said he'd had "a series of meetings" this week with federal MP Julie Collins and Senator Carol Brown about options for the future of the site.

Ms Collins and Ms Brown are expected to meet Mr Albanese in Canberra this week.

Mr O'Byrne said he'd also met Mr Albanese "several times" to discuss the site's redevelopment potential. "I believe we're very close to securing federal government support to remediate the site," he said.

"The development of the railyards site will drive construction and development activity in the short term, and provide a long-term stream of financial and economic benefits to Tasmania. Remediation is the key to unlocking that development, so developers can be provided with a greenfield site without the risk of unknown remediation costs."

The State Government last year made a request to Infrastructure Australia for $50 million to clean oil contamination from the 8.5ha site, in preparation for future developers.

The Federal Government has already provided $110,000 for a study to help determine the best use of the Macquarie Point site.

"It is important that the remediation of the site is undertaken alongside the economic study, to ensure that we are ready to fully utilise the site as soon as possible," Senator Brown said.

"The site is on the doorstep of Hobart and offers a unique opportunity to increase tourism and drive economic growth.

"In particular we need to look at ways we could potentially use the site to expand Hobart's standing as the international gateway to Antarctica."

The future of the site has been stuck in limbo since plans to build a new hospital were scrapped in 2008.

The State Government has said it wants to see a "mixed use" of the site, including operation of a working port.

Various business, tourism and property groups have made a number of suggestions about uses for the site, including a university campus for 26,000 students, a fish market, waterfront promenade and waterpark, sports activity facility, hotel and conference facilities, carparking, cafes, restaurants and shops.

Is it just me or are some of those proposed uses really silly? A fish market? Waterpark? There was interestingly no mention of the rail line and it's future.. The idea of a new university campus is interesting though

Another University Campus on the waterfront? really? Haven't they got enough of the city as it is? If the CBD wants to be revitalised they need people, it encourages longer opening hours, more businesses, particularly food and drink, which adds to nightlife, culture and vibrancy plus employment. Melbourne is a classic example of this, 15 years ago the CBD was dead, now high density innercity living has completely changed the city centre, Tapas bars, cultural events, businesses thriving, and open for longer. All because people were living close to such amenities. Hobart needs a large scale inner city apartment precinct, Wapping was a joke, a few townhouses? BAH! high density will save the city. Of course the WHOLE site shouldn't be apartments, there should be restaurant cafe strip to balance salamanca on the other side. A boardwalk/promenade, light rail travelling through the centre, and a 5 star hotel like a Westin, or something. A small shopping area for tourists travelling along the promenade would be good.

That site is perfectly located for something very special. Apartments, 5-star hotel, dining options, major tourist attraction etc. Maybe even a Convention Centre facing the harbour?

This could have the potential to put Hobart on the map. Exciting stuff.

Another University Campus on the waterfront? really? Haven't they got enough of the city as it is? If the CBD wants to be revitalised they need people, it encourages longer opening hours, more businesses, particularly food and drink, which adds to nightlife, culture and vibrancy plus employment. Melbourne is a classic example of this, 15 years ago the CBD was dead, now high density innercity living has completely changed the city centre, Tapas bars, cultural events, businesses thriving, and open for longer. All because people were living close to such amenities. Hobart needs a large scale inner city apartment precinct, Wapping was a joke, a few townhouses? BAH! high density will save the city. Of course the WHOLE site shouldn't be apartments, there should be restaurant cafe strip to balance salamanca on the other side. A boardwalk/promenade, light rail travelling through the centre, and a 5 star hotel like a Westin, or something. A small shopping area for tourists travelling along the promenade would be good.


I agree entirely, mixed residential with a new set of small commercial buildings and a centrepiece like a large hotel would be ideal.

From the ABC this morning. This area will need a new thread once things really kick off as it will probably be given its own name -The Hobart Railyards Waterfront Authority or something like that once the development authority is established.

The Federal Infrastructure Minister believes redevelopment of Hobart's waterfront rail yards has the potential to do for Hobart what the Opera House did for Sydney.

Anthony Albanese has outlined a $50 million funding package to clean up the 8.4 hectare site.

Transport operations at Macquarie Point will move to a new site at Brighton later this year.

Mr Albanese says it is the most exciting development site in any Australian city.

He likened the industrial area to Sydney's Darling Harbour before it was brought to life.

"I can't think of a project anywhere in Australia in terms of cities as exciting as this one," he said.

"It is the last major destination before Antarctica if you keep heading south, there's a possibility for some associated activity there; an opportunity for leisure but also I'd like to see some affordable housing," he said.

The funding will also be used to establish a group to manage the development.

He says future developments will be decided by the management authority, the Government and the community.

An arial photo of the site for our mainland visitors...as you can see lots of potential.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/3714/railyards1w.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/railyards1w.jpg/)

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/8159/wharf1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/wharf1.jpg/)


THE major overhaul of Hobart's waterfront will step up another notch, with work set begin on the Macquarie Wharf 2 project.

The shed will be transformed into a dedicated cruise and Antarctic facility, set to be up and running by March 2013.

Construction work on the $7 million upgrade is expected to start in coming weeks, with local firm Fairbrother appointed to carry out the job.

The first steps will include removing the asbestos roof.

Infrastructure Minister David O'Byrne said the revamp will bolster cruise ship visitations and further cement the state's Antarctic gateway status.

"Both tourism and our Antarctic industry are indentified as key growth sectors in the Tasmanian Government's Economic Development Plan, which helps find new sustainable markets and create the jobs of tomorrow," Mr O'Byrne said.

He said the project was a significant part of the wider transformation of Hobart's waterfront which is currently underway with the IMAS development, Brooke Street Pier upgrade and the recent $50 million boost for the railyards site.

Australian Antarctic Division spokesman Dr Rob Wooding said the Macquarie Wharf 2 upgrade would provide a modern cargo and quarantine area.

He said the cruise ship facilities would also provide members of Antarctic expeditions with a spacious and comfortable area to farewell their families before boarding their ship.

The building will have an environmentally-friendly design, with solar panels on the roof and rainwater tanks.

"There's also a strong focus on bio-security measures with vermin traps, impenetrable walls and automatic shutter doors to reduce the risk of introduced species travelling south on our ships," Dr Wooding said

Another up-date from the Hobart Mercury on the latest Hobart Wharf re-developments.

MOVES to start work on the $7 million Macquarie Wharf No. 2 upgrade in coming weeks are a welcome boost to the local construction industry.

The shed will be turned into a dedicated cruise and Antarctic facility. It is scheduled to be operating by March 2013.

Tasmanian construction company Fairbrother has been awarded the job.

It is good news for the struggling building sector and is the latest in a string of announcements that will reshape the face of Hobart.

The project follows announcements about a new multi-level building at the Royal Hobart Hospital and $50 million for the railyard site and Brooke Street Pier redevelopment.

Fairbrother southern Tasmania manager Paul Ransley said the project safeguarded jobs at the company, which had to lay off 18 workers in a three-month period last year.

He said the project would provide work for up to 60 employees.

Local construction companies were often overlooked on big projects, in favour of mainland businesses.

Master Builders Association executive director Michael Kerschbaum said local firms could handle many building projects that were carried out by mainland construction companies.

He said a number of local builders could run projects in the $30 million to $40 million range that were typically farmed out to interstate businesses.

He said the appointment of Fairbrother to the Macquarie Wharf No. 2 project was a much-needed injection for the local industry, which has experienced a downturn in projects and jobs in the past two years.

"Whilst these projects keep popping up, that's good. But it's not a broad-based recovery," he said.

"We're seeing these sorts of announcements in isolation, but not the bread and butter to support it."

Many local construction companies, were "just treading water".

Infrastructure Minister David O'Byrne said the Macquarie Wharf No. 2 revamp would bolster cruise ship visits and cement the state's Antarctic activities.

Antarctic Division spokesman Dr Rob Wooding said the upgrade would provide a modern cargo and quarantine area.

From the Hobart Mercury today-

THE Opposition has slammed the creation of another layer of bureaucracy to oversee development at the Hobart railyards site.

Details of a $50 million Federal Government funding agreement released yesterday reveal the newly created Hobart Waterfront Development Corporation will be set up to supervise work on the 8.4ha site.

Liberal Leader Will Hodgman said yesterday he was gobsmacked the Government could not do this work with existing resources, instead of setting up another organisation.

"Just one year after abolishing the last useless authority that delivered nothing, this Government is setting up another one," he said.

"Millions of dollars have been wasted on bureaucracy that's delivered nothing on our waterfront.

"This is groundhog day. What Tasmania needs is things getting done and money being spent well, not on new levels of government ."

But federal Independent MHR Andrew Wilkie, who helped broker the funding deal, said Mr Hodgman was "fiscally illiterate" if he could not understand the State Government's reason for setting up an independent body to receive the money.

"If the $50 million was paid directly to the State Government, it would have been included in Tasmania's GST calculations and some of it would have been clawed back in reduced GST allocations in the future," Mr Wilkie said.

"Frankly Will Hodgman should know that."

Premier Lara Giddings said the Hobart Waterfront Development Corporation was essential to deliver a high-quality development.

"It just shows how out of touch Will Hodgman is with a modern development of this scale and magnitude," she said.

"All he needs to do is to go to Melbourne and see how Docklands was redeveloped or go to Sydney and see how Barangaroo is being redeveloped right now.

"All of these redevelopments, because they are of such a large scale, have had some form of authority or corporation set up."

Economic Development Minister David O'Byrne said the Government was determined to get it right and denied the authority was another unnecessary layer.

Work is progressing well on the new IMAS Building on Hobart's waterfront. IMAS is part of the University of Tasmania and will accommodate 500 staff and students from 2013 involved in marine and Antarctic research.

http://imageshack.us/a/img16/7350/salamanca007.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/16/salamanca007.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img209/13/salamanca005.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/209/salamanca005.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img407/2530/salamanca006.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/407/salamanca006.jpg/)

I think there are some new render from the utas web;
Looks a bit like a liner from the side, not that that's a bad thing.


http://imageshack.us/a/img231/3751/800kyd.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/231/800kyd.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img207/228/800ma.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/207/800ma.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img11/9966/800gy.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/11/800gy.jpg/)

From today's Mercury:

http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/11/21/366481_real-estate-news.html

Going up

http://i.imgur.com/gjgrshC.jpg

Hahaha! Once again UTAS renders turn out nothing like the real thing, can tell from just that one photo it's not going to be anything like the design. Keep skimping on hiring builders from interstate UTAS, and keep getting substandard results! OR lower your expectations in the planning stage and go for something ACHIEVABLE. Hopefully this will be the last sell out of valuable waterfront real estate to the Uni, and we can get on with some private investment. :bash:

? how can we see what it looks like already?
The attractive front "overhanging" part of the roof/siding doesn't look like it's even there yet

Have a look at the renders, then at the photo. The shape is different, its more squat and flatter. The decorative sides pieces are also unlike those in the render, can't quite tell but they look like patterned concrete from the photo, which in the render they def don't appear to be. it might come out alright (although judging by the second stage of the Menzies building I doubt it) but it's not going to look like its render.

The camera angle is completely different, I zoomed in from a much further distance. Basically I took the photo from over the road on Salamanca grass and cropped.

This will make it look very flat as opposed to the render which uses a closer camera more front-on and very wide angle lens looking up under the overhang which doesn't even look to be built yet on the real thing.


As for the side cladding stuff, well if I remember rightly from the distance I was, I think they were covered in some sort of loose looking cloth/plastic. The roof is not even built, why would the side cladding look at a complete stage.

Let's just wait a bit more and see.