Hobart Showgrounds Redevelopment Proposal

Media release – Tasmanian Liberals, 30 March 2021

Showground Redevelopment To Secure Tasmania’s Future

A re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government will Secure Tasmania’s Future by underpinning the revitalisation of the Hobart Showgrounds site at Glenorchy, creating around 400 local jobs and 450 homes for Tasmanians, and pumping millions into the local economy.

The redevelopment will:

• Secure 450 new homes including 150 social and affordable homes at the site;
• Provide open green spaces for community and sporting events;
• Secure the future of the Royal Hobart Show, including the many small community groups that utilise the Showgrounds, with new facilities, including an exhibition hall, a 1500-person seating stand, and a courtyard for commercial activities.

We will provide $42.15 million to commence the redevelopment immediately and activate the site for homes, jobs and the local community.

Importantly, the project will support around 400 local jobs during construction, including up to 80 apprentices, while stimulating around $234 million in economic activity.

It’s part of our strong plan to Secure Tasmania’s Future, creating local jobs, backing business and adding to our strong pipeline of housing.

The construction of 450 new homes, including 150 social and affordable homes will further ease housing stress in the South for Tasmanians in need, as part of our record investment into housing.

It will house up to 1000 people once complete, which will further support the activation of the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor.

And, it will secure the future of the nearly 200-year old Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania and the Royal Hobart Show, with the new facilities, including up to 1000 car park spaces, to ensure the iconic event can continue into the future.

It’s a win for local businesses and the community and, if a majority Liberal Government is re-elected, we will deliver it.

The full policy is available here.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) has developed a Master Plan and Renewal Project for the full development of the Showgrounds, in the heart of Glenorchy.

This includes a range of social and affordable rental dwellings, a new exhibition pavilion, arena and infrastructure, while maintaining agriculture at its heart.

The Renewal Project is a contemporary vision that will create a vibrant, connected community.

The renewal of the Showgrounds will provide significant economic stimulus and long-term community benefits, activating $234 million in economic activity over the next four years, and creating over 400 direct and indirect jobs in the building and construction industry.

When all homes are completed, the Showgrounds will be home to up to 1000 residents, further supporting the activation of the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor.

WE WILL REVITALISE THE SHOWGROUNDS, MAKING USE OF THIS VALUABLE SITE EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

A majority Liberal Government will provide $42.15 million to commence the immediate redevelopment of the Showgrounds.

This will include –

• A new exhibition pavilion;
• An upgraded arena;
• Infrastructure upgrades to support the construction of 450 new homes and activate millions in economic activity at the site.

RAST will seek to commence early works and planning applications immediately, with construction of infrastructure expected to be completed by late 2022.

SECURING 450 NEW HOMES

The Tasmanian Liberals understand that land for housing is needed for more homes right now.

The Renewal Project supports in excess of 450 new homes.

Up to 150 of these will be affordable, including 60 new social houses, 60 affordable rental homes, and up to 30 affordable HomeShare dwellings for low income first home buyers.

Around 100 of these homes will be one-bedroom given the high demand in the Glenorchy area for small, single dwellings, close to existing transport links and the social infrastructure of Glenorchy.

RAST will transfer the land, at a value of approximately $12.5 million, to Housing Tasmania for the purpose of managing the construction of these 150 dwellings.

Housing construction for Stage 1 will commence in 2022 and be completed by 2024.

RAST will also sell land titles to the private sector to construct the other 300 private residences on the Showgrounds site.

THE NEW LOOK HOBART SHOWGROUNDS

Investment by the Tasmanian Liberals in the Showgrounds Renewal Project will deliver a fantastic exhibitor, visitor, tourism and local community facility, including –

• A ground floor exhibition hall for animals, supported by external hard-stand spaces and wash-down areas;
• A 1500-person tiered seating stand and all-weather seating protection; and
• A courtyard for commercial activities.

The roof of the pavilion will have 2000 square metres of solar panels and drainage to capture rainwater for green space use.

The turf arena will be suitable for multi-purpose use and large enough to host a wide range of equestrian, demonstration and competition show events.

Public green space is a central feature of the site, representing about 40 per cent of the total site area.

Car parking for over 1000 spaces will be available.

The Showgrounds will become a vibrant, community site, every day of the year.

The local community will benefit from a brand new Show Pavilion, with community spaces for local community events and entertainment.

In terms of emergency, this facility can also be used as an emergency evacuation, distribution and recovery centre for Hobart and surrounding areas.

The investment will help secure the long-term future of the nearly 200-year old Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania, and its Royal Hobart Show.

TASMANIAN TIMES: Showgrounds Redevelopment Gains Labor Support.