Hobart’s $100m Myer on track

Completion of the $100 million ICON (Myer) development is on track with Hobart’s retail heart set to enjoy the ringing of tills in time for Christmas, according to the developer.

This is fantastic news for Hobart and the Tasmanian Liberal Government congratulates the Kalis Group, Hutchison Builders and the many Tasmanian sub-contractors who have been working hard to rebuild the site after the devastating fire in 2007.

Premier Will Hodgman, Minister for State Growth Matthew Groom and Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey toured the site today and received an update on progress.

“Jobs are our number one priority and Tasmania is heading in the right direction, with more cranes in the sky than we have seen in a very long time, but we must continue to build on the momentum,” Mr Hodgman said.

“Projects like this show our long term Plan centred on encouraging job creating investment is working.

“More than 400 jobs have been created by this development and it is estimated retail turnover will be $95 million a year.

“After seven long years of inaction on the site, we are pleased to have played a role in securing the future of this important project with the Government agreeing to a $15 million commercial loan to secure the project.”

The most recent ABS retail figures show another solid month for retail in Tasmania.

“ In June, total retail spending hit a high of $477.1 million, a 0.3 per cent increase on May and a 2.9 per cent increase since last year,” Mr Groom said.

“This is another sign of growing confidence in the economy. We have the highest business confidence in the country, a booming construction sector and significant jobs growth.”
Will Hodgman, Premier Matthew Groom, Minister for State Growth