A natural trend toward inner-city living shows the confidence in Launceston’s heart, as the City of Launceston council witnesses a spike in development interest for the city’s centre.
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The Launceston City Deal had a particular focus on increasing inner-city apartments, through converting disused shop spaces and under-used buildings.
Developments for residential apartments and units have been approved throughout the centre of the city, including the Kingsway, St John Street, Brisbane Street, George Street and York Street.
An 18-apartment, $5 million development application to convert the upper level of York House is presently open for public comment, with developer Tony Bush noting inner-city living was a relatively new concept for Launceston.
The council’s general manager Michael Stretton said some streets had seen multiple sites approved for residential developments.
“We're also seeing some significantly larger CBD residential proposals than we have in the past,” he said.
“That's a relatively new trend, and clearly an indication that developers are seeing the opportunities that come with inner city living developments and are seeking to leverage those opportunities.”
Mr Stretton said most development applications put through the council were for conversions and extensions to existing buildings in the heart of the city.
We're also seeing some significantly larger CBD residential proposals than we have in the past.
- City of Launceston general manager Michael Stretton
Those properties were then being managed for different uses, including private rentals and AirBnb.
“Airbnb is particularly strong in the CBD, which is understandable because tourists usually want to base themselves in a central location when they're visiting a city,” Mr Stretton said.
Mr Stretton said the council was also creating new guidance for building surveyors, planners, developers and architects to better translate central city regulations.
He said the trend toward living Launceston’s centre was growing “organically” over the past five years, in line with economic confidence.
Managing the needs of old and heritage listed buildings alongside modern developments was a balancing act, Mr Stretton said, but often resulted in “stunning” developments.
“It's our experience that while heritage considerations can present challenges sometimes, there are nearly always compromises that can be met that satisfy those involved,” he said.
