Clarence City Council has awarded Tasmanian firm Hunter Developments preferred developer status for the old ferry terminal site at Kangaroo Bay Drive. The proposal for the waterfront site comprises a premium standard accommodation hotel incorporating a TasTAFE linked hospitality training school.
Other components of the proposal are restaurants, a bar, retail, food and beverage tenancies, function rooms, a public waterfront boardwalk, and a ferry terminal.
“Earlier this year Hunter Developments were invited to participate in the second stage of the expression of interest process, to further resolve their initial proposal and design concept, in conjunction with project partners Chambroad Overseas Investments Australia and TasTAFE,” Mayor Doug Chipman said.
“Council has now received and accepted a recommendation of the joint Council-Tasmanian Government Assessment Panel that preferred developer status be awarded”.
The enhancement of the Kangaroo Bay precinct is a longstanding strategic initiative of Council aimed at creating a focal point for the City by providing a range of tourism, recreational, commercial and community uses and activities.
“Our vision is that Kangaroo Bay be an inclusive place for both residents and visitors,” Mayor Chipman said.
Kangaroo Bay provides one of the most attractive harbour-side vistas in Tasmania – overlooking the Derwent River to the city of Hobart and beyond to Mount Wellington – all within walking distance of the nearby Bellerive and Rosny Park business precincts, and the world-class sporting facilities of Bellerive Oval.
Hunter Developments Director, Adjunct Professor Robert Morris-Nunn, said: “The hotel complex on the wharf site is envisioned to be an iconic building that will create a new landmark destination on the Eastern Shore for the enjoyment of both locals and tourists alike, incorporating a series of engaging internal and outdoor spaces for hotel guests and the general public”.
Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman said the establishment of a preferred developer agreement will enable work on the proposal to continue with a view to lodgement by the proponents of a development application for assessment through the normal statutory approval and public consultation process.