More change is on the horizon for Launceston’s CBD.
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A 1950s York Street building is set to be transformed into a miniature precinct, with plans revealing the redevelopment will include a mixture of commercial offices, high-end boutique accommodation, a bar, a cafe and studio space.
Located at 93 York Street, the building will be developed by Hoepf and rebranded as Y93.
Director of S. Group Sam Haberle said the new building concept aimed to retain the charm and soul of the 1950s design.
“I think it is really important in a city to see the stylistic transition of architecture through the years,” Mr Haberle said.
“We’ve got a cafe on the lower level, a studio out the back – which could be a yoga or dance studio – and also a bar in the current disused stables on the ground level,” he said.
“It’s all about encouraging a little bit of activity on the ground level.”
Levels one to four will be office space and co-work space, and the upper level will be boutique apartments.
Hoepf spokesman Anthony Nolan said the developers were looking forward to transforming the building into a vibrant addition to Launceston’s CBD.
“This type of investment in our city certainly indicates confidence in the future of Launceston, and the developers are actively pursuing further investment opportunities here” Mr Nolan said.
“Whilst there is a lot of new development work around the city’s northern perimeter, which is fantastic, York Street and its immediate surrounds is transforming into a precinct of its own, with major upgrading and redevelopment work either recently completed, currently underway, or in the pipeline.”
In an Australian first, Mr Haberle said world-class chute technology would be used in Y93’s fire escape.
Tas City Building construction manager Steven Simeoni said he’d never installed an emergency chute but was looking forward to the experience.
“We are also installing a putting green on the rooftop and it’ll be part of the penthouse,” Mr Simeoni said.
A development application was lodged with the City of Launceston, with work to be completed by December.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said it was fantastic to see new developments proposed for Launceston and was eager to hear more about the proposal.
“We're seeing increasing interest in the CBD from developers and more people are realising the potential that is being unlocked with the significant private and public investment taking place around Launceston,” he said.
"This proposal adds to the other inner-city living developments which are on the drawing board, and it reinforces the work the council is undertaking under the Launceston City Heart Project which seeks to enhance the amenity and liveability of our CBD."
The Y93 redevelopment was designed by S. Group architect Timothy Fry, and was one of nine CBD construction sites being completed by Tas City Building.
