City of Launceston alderman were unanimous in their support for the revitalisation of the CH Smith site at Monday’s council meeting.
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The complex has sat vacant for more than two decades but developers Errol Stewart and Scott Curran are confident they will be able to completely reinvigorate “the gateway to the city”.
Many have tried and failed but the city council has put its confidence in the Launceston developers to breathe life back into the derelict complex.
The motion to approve the development, which will see the site transformed into office space, a cafe, a bar and a car park, was moved by Alderman Janie Finlay.
“I was really excited to receive the application before us today and there has been a journey since we first heard about it,” she said.
“I think the reason why I am confident … is possibly because the developers are local, understand the story, have experience and have demonstrated their capacity to both work with, respect and enhance heritage fabric and structures across not only the Launceston area but across our state.
“They have respected the public’s opinion and been open to amendments.”
Ald Finlay said the plan was stunning in its simplicity and the best way to maintain Tasmania’s heritage structures was to use them.
In seconding the motion, Alderman Robin McKendrick said he hoped the council’s decision would not be appealed to the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal.
"[Those against it] are entitled to their say but they have to be realistic … [an appeal] would hold it up for months,” he said.
Mr Stewart said the development would create between 50 and 60 jobs during the construction phase.
He said his team will work quickly to put together a building application to lodge in two weeks time.
Launceston architect Jack Birrell spoke against the development and said the design offered “a reduced public realm” and would be inactive after hours.
“It is a spectacular key site that could link the city to Seaport, the art gallery, and our community spend is not insignificant,” he said.
“I have seen no business plan and I am asking what is the bang for the buck and return on investment.”
Heritage Protection Society (Tasmania) president Lionel Morell said it was too soon for the group to decide if it would appeal the decision.
Representers against the development have 14 days to lodge an appeal if they disagree with the decision.