Housing project hinges on Devonport Showground rezoning

An application to rezone the century-old Devonport Showgrounds to make way for a major mixed housing development will be considered at the February 28 Devonport City Council meeting. Developer Simon Want said if approved, the rezoning allows him to proceed with plans for a 200-lot mixed residential, aged care and disability housing development with a central park and lake.

 

By Libby Bingham

Updated February 24 2022 - 11:19PM, first published 6:00PM

An application to rezone the century-old Devonport Showgrounds to make way for a major mixed housing development will be considered at the February 28 Devonport City Council meeting.

Developer Simon Want said if approved, the rezoning allows him to proceed with plans for a 200-lot mixed residential, aged care and disability housing development with a central park and lake.

Next Step: Devonport City Council will consider a rezoning application for the Devonport Showgrounds to make way for a major private infill housing development. Picture: file.

Previously, Mr Want said it would be the largest private infill development in Tasmania's history.

He was seeking to rezone the showgrounds from a recreation zone to general residential with a Devonport Showgrounds Redevelopment specific area plan to allow a degree of adaptability for the site.

It comes after Mr Want signed an unconditional contract with a two-year settlement to buy the showgrounds from the Devonport Agricultural and Pastoral Society since identifying a need for more housing in the city.

Mr Want said the settlement with DAPS, could proceed as scheduled on March 30 after TasRacing had vacated the showground on March 25.

He said once council approvals get finalised, the work can start on the development.

"I'm respectful of the council process to rezone, and once completed, we're ready to go," he said.

"We've spent four years of time and effort on this, and we're pouring a huge amount into it, and we're keen and excited to move forward once we get through this crucial step."

Council to consider showground rezoning

He said it would depend on the rezoning application as to when people would see houses start to go up.

"It could go through quickly or take some time; that's the key decider, but as soon as that happens, we will be ready to start early works on site. It's in the hands of the council and the Tasmanian Planning Commission once they receive it," Mr Want said.

"We've been overwhelmed with interest, and we've got some high-quality national partners keen to get involved in the project."

He said the interested parties included, "multiple aged care and NDIS providers."

Mr Want said specialist schools and after-school programs had emerged recently as other possibilities for the site.

He said there would be a mix of higher priced and affordable homes built at the showgrounds.

"With the right delivery partner; we think there's a role for an appropriate amount of specialist housing on site," Mr Want said.

"Regarding aged care, NDIS, and affordable homes, how that comes out is still getting worked out but everything we have always said still stands."

 
Lisa WhiteThe Advocate