Launceston entrepreneur Serge de Kantzow said yesterday a development application was lodged with Launceston City Council last week and he was delighted with progress on the project, particularly in attracting investors.
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Mr de Kantzow said the proposal had not changed significantly from the details outlined publicly in July.
But issues, including public access to the main site and the skybridges, plus landscaping and heritage matters, had been clarified so the application could be lodged.
He said reaction to the proposal had been positive and he hoped construction could start next year and would be built as one continuous project.
"I hope the initial development phases will be undertaken by the end of 2005," Mr de Kantzow said.
"It should take two to two-and-a- half years and is unlikely to be staged."
The proposal, on the block bounded by Wellington, Canal, Charles and Cimitiere streets, involves 149 apartments, 87-suite five-star hotel, 320m pedestrian skybridge, art gallery, innovation centre, public plaza and basement car park.
"I am delighted with the progress (on the development)," Mr de Kantzow said.
"The general response has been very supportive.
"And I am happy with the progress in relation to the finance.
"There is a great deal of interest in the financing of the project and also in its construction."
Mr de Kantzow made a presentation to the State Government in July for funding of the $11 million skybridge.
A State Government spokesman said no decision had been made on funding.
Heritage Council of Tasmania chairman Peter James said plans were expected from the Launceston council in about week.
Mr James said a presentation was made to the heritage group about six weeks ago but detailed plans were needed before a decision could be made on the proposal's heritage aspects.
The heritage council must give approval on heritage matters before the proposal can proceed.
Mr James said the heritage issues included the height of the proposed new buildings and the impact on the low-rise Launceston streetscape.
The distance between the new buildings and the street also needed to be considered, because the old buildings should not become merely a facade.
"But you can undoubtedly do something which is beneficial to Launceston and is profitable and the reflects the area's heritage," Mr James said.
