The Hodgman Liberal Government has today announced a $13 million package to progress Stage 1 of the Living City project to help revitalise Devonport and the North-West.
Living City will pave the way for more than $250 million worth of construction work, create more than 600 jobs in the construction phase, and support more than 830 ongoing direct jobs once the project is complete.
The $13 million package includes cash and land, and marks a very significant step in the planning, scoping and development of the project.
The funding component includes a $10 million contribution to the Devonport City Council for the new multi-purpose centre at the heart of the development and $2 million for the fit out of the new LINC and Service Tasmania.
The land transfer is of the existing LINC site on Oldaker Street, valued at $1 million, which will make way for the planned retail development.
Significant work is already underway, with the council’s architects working with the Department of Education on designs for the new LINC.
This will be housed on the first and second floors of the new multi-purpose building, which will also include the council, a conference centre and a community space.
Work on the new multi-purpose building is expected to begin early in the new year, with the new LINC opening scheduled for the second half of 2017.
We are continuing to work closely with the council to fulfil our election commitment to progress the transfer of the two Government-owned sites, the Magistrates Court and LINC, to consolidate land for retail development in the CBD.
The Government’s long-term plan for Tasmania is focused on pursuing investment opportunities and creating jobs, and our contribution to the Living City Master Plan is a demonstration of this commitment.
Jeremy Rockliff, Deputy Premier
