Frequently asked questions
Q. Who is contracted to purchase the Showground from the Devonport Agricultural & Pastoral Society (DAPS)?
A. The Devonport Agricultural & Pastoral Society (DAPS) has signed a contract for sale for the Devonport Showground to affordable housing advocate Simon Want.
While the price is commercial in confidence, Mr Want said the sale would provide DAPS with the opportunity to redefine their service provision and a possible transition to a new site.
Q. Where is the Devonport Showground Devonport plan up to?
A. The development team has been listening to community groups and community members in Devonport so we can fully understand their vision for this development.
It’s become clear that the people of Devonport want adaptable homes that suit the changing nature of the community. They also want to ensure that the development maintains and respects both the historic and emotional importance of the site.
This initial community consultation process has been invaluable. It has allowed us to create a vision of a community development defined by quality, financially attainable, environmentally sustainable homes, within an inclusive community.
Q. What will change for the current users because of the sale?
A. Nothing will change for some time. The sale involves an extended settlement which will allow for a careful and smooth transition. We are committed to working with all the current users of the site through this transition. We see that it’s as important for current users to have homes as it is for the people of Devonport to have many more homes in their community.
Q. What about the wonderful aspects of the site that we love and cherish today?
A. We love them to! And we are determined to ensure anything that is done retains all of the wonderful aspects of the site and its place in Devonport’s history.
It’s been an honour to hear the stories, see the photos, read the letters, and speak to the people who have a connection to the land, the buildings and the history of the area.
One of our first steps is to engage the community to help us pay tribute to this wonderful community and its heritage. We want Devonport resident’s input into how we name our newest neighbourhood, its streets, open spaces and features; how we’ll deliver homes, create jobs and foster opportunity - all for Devonport community interest.
Q. What kind of housing will be available once the development is complete?
A. We call them “adaptable homes”, which are homes that are able to adapt to your needs now and in the future. These homes are designed to change as your life changes. At some stages in life, you might need two bedrooms, sometimes three or more, sometimes one.
Many of the homes in the development will be designed in such a way as to make it easy for the homes to change through small renovations, in order to meet everyone’s needs in the future, whatever they may be.
The people of Devonport have told us they don’t want row after row of virtually identical homes. They want room for small homes, larger homes, assisted living homes, while also providing buildings and space for community activities and parks and gardens.
Q. What are the long-term plans for the site?
A. The Showground site presents a significant opportunity to deliver a high-quality, mixture of home typologies that cater for the needs and wants of the broader community.
The project will deliver more than 200 high quality homes for purchase or rent. And unlike standard sub-divisions, the precinct will also provide independent and supported living options, specialist housing, including NDIS and social housing, as well as a state-of-the art-health precinct, a community and arts precinct, and a variety of open public spaces.
Conversations with the local community have highlighted the city’s enthusiasm and desire to prosper while retaining the aspects of Devonport that makes it such a special place to live.
Simon is grateful the people of Devonport and surrounding communities have been so willing to share their stories of the past, and their hopes for the future.
Q. What was the purchase price of the Showground and why wasn’t it put out to tender or public sale
A. DAPS has been clear in that it was a very tough decision to sell the Showground, but ultimately they had no choice and the bank was moving in.
While the sale price is commercial in confidence, both parties are quite open about the fact that DAPS was paid well above the market value for the property, and this has now given them the resources they need to fulfil their charter into the future.
Simon was happy to pay this price out of respect for the history of the site, and to ensure the ongoing role many of the tenants will play in Devonport.
Q. What feedback was provided in the first phase of consultation about the site?
A. Hundreds of local residents have already reached out to help with advice and support. It’s clear from the town hall meetings we’ve had, and the one on one conversations so far, that the people of Devonport want to be a part of the development.
Everyone agrees that we need to support the racing community, and work with them to find a way forward. A transition to a new site is seen as a win-win for everyone, and we are determined to help achieve that outcome.
Our initial discussions were just that, initial discussions. We are not about to stop listening. We know we need to keep the conversation going throughout the development process and beyond, if this development is going to meet the needs of the Devonport community.
Further questions
If you have a question not covered here, please submit a query