One of Launceston’s most notorious development sites has its first new business.
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Roberts Real Estate has officially moved into the newly re-developed CH Smith building on the corner of Charles and Canal streets.
They will be the first tenants for the historic space in more than two decades and will officially open their doors for business on Monday.
State Manager Khan Dick said the move was a sign of the times, with the business simply outgrowing their two former premises on York Street and Kingsway.
“This move is the best thing that could have happened to Roberts,” he said.
“This site became known to us about nine months ago and it ticked all the boxes.
“Property sales have gone through the roof and it was just really time to find some new digs that would accommodate that growth.”
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The new office space is set over three levels and will accommodate Roberts’ entire Launceston team of about 35 employees.
The building is the first completed part of a $20 million development being carried out by Launceston businessman Errol Stewart and ARTAS Architects principal Scott Curran, who purchased the property in late 2016.
While currently a booming construction site, the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will include a cafe, restaurant, state government offices and 300 council-owned car parking spaces.
Mr Khan said the centrally located space was much better suited for their needs.
“We have much more room to move here and it is a much better, centrally located space for our customers and clients,” he said.
“Previously we have been split over two locations so to have everyone working in the one building is much better for business.”
The site has been a big part of Launceston’s history, dating back to the early 1800s when it occupied the business of Charles Henry Smith.
The company held a number of shipping and insurance agencies and in 1918 moved its entire operation to lower Charles Street.
Mr Khan said it was great to know the business was located in such a historic part of the city, especially considering Tasmania’s property market growth.
“We had some of our best results ever last year and there is certainly a lot of confidence in the market, which is good to see,” he said.
“As of Monday we will be open for business.”