Devonport Showground rezoning approval makes way for developer to build 200 homes

The iconic century-old Devonport Showground is entering a significant new chapter with the rezoning completed to transform it into a "village in a city." It comes after the Tasmanian Planning Commission granted final rezoning approval to allow work to start on the largest private infill housing development in Tasmania's history with homes expected to get built next year.

 

By Libby Bingham

Updated October 26 2022 - 6:18PM, first published 5:30PM

Caption: Developer Enrich Ventures founder Simon Want has announced the completion of the Devonport Showground rezoning to allow for a major housing project. Some of the old showground infrastructure such as the lights will be sold. Picture by Eve Woodhouse.

The iconic century-old Devonport Showground is entering a significant new chapter with the rezoning completed to transform it into a "village in a city."

Developer Enrich Ventures founder Simon Want has announced the completion of the Devonport Showground rezoning to allow for a major housing project. Some of the old showground infrastructure such as the lights will be sold. Picture by Eve Woodhouse.

Developer Enrich Ventures founder Simon Want has announced the completion of the Devonport Showground rezoning to allow for a major housing project. Some of the old showground infrastructure such as the lights will be sold. Picture by Eve Woodhouse.

It comes after the Tasmanian Planning Commission granted final rezoning approval to allow work to start on the largest private infill housing development in Tasmania's history with homes expected to get built next year.

Founder of developer Enrich Ventures Simon Want said it made way for 200 homes, aged care and disability housing, a health facility, and public parkland at the showground.

Mr Want, who relocated from Melbourne to Devonport two years ago to oversee the project, said the "unique" mixed-housing subdivision, complete with a central park and lake, would transform the showground into a "world-class community precinct."

He said final rezoning approval came as a "relief" after five years of collaboration to get to this point.

Mr Want said it was wonderful to receive "this important tick of approval after rigorous review and support by the community, Devonport City Council, and State Government."

He said the rezoning changed the use from recreation to a Specific Area Plan, enabling the expansive site to become a "village in a city."

The plans show the new showground village has an inclusive residential neighbourhood with commercial and community facilities; and generous green open space, a key aspect of the TPC granting rezoning approval after gaining unanimous support from the council in February.

Mr Want said that consistent with the project vision, hundreds of new homes could now be built for people of all ages, including first homebuyers; families; and those requiring supported housing, such as older or special needs residents.

"Site preparation is underway, and we expect construction to commence in 2023," Mr Want said.

"We will soon formally call on individuals and organisations who want to help bring the Devonport Showground Project to life."

He said Devonport was the "ideal place for such a large investment" to provide much-needed housing variety and deliver employment and business opportunities, open space, and community facilities.

He said various stakeholders and authorities reviewed the plans against a holistic set of social, environmental, and economic benchmarks, including design, liveability, and innovation.

"We are excited to deliver a place for all ages and abilities," he said.

"We are committed to ensuring the Devonport Showground is a positive part of the fabric of the city - one that can be enjoyed by everyone.

"Our priority is to identify the families that want to live in the new homes; the community, businesses, and government partners that want to run businesses; provide services, and support the North-West community within the new village."

As part of the site preparation, the existing buildings will get "decommissioned" and either revamped or demolished and some materials salvaged.

The revamped Cheers function centre will become part of the community precinct, and the dilapidated historic Forth schoolhouse will get refurbished as a cafe or something else.

The flourishing farmers market attracting 1000 people in good weather, will continue at the site.

Mr Want said it would take a few months to remove several buildings containing asbestos that could not get reused.

"There will be community consultation and discussions with neighbours as we proceed," Mr Want said.

He said the sheds, buildings, and infrastructure, like the showground lights and fencing, would be offered to community groups and people who want them through an expression of interest process.

"It's a relief (to get here) because we started this process in 2017, but I think what's been amazing is the incredible support we received," Mr Want said.

"When we started the process, we were outsiders. Now we feel like we're part of the community, and there's genuine excitement about what's coming around the corner.

"We could not have gotten this far without all the support."

Mr Want said aged care and disability providers had expressed interest in the development.

"We aspire to have all the things you find in a village here, and we've created the framework or the structure, and we now need locals, businesses, and organisations to get involved," he said.

The next step is to subdivide the land according to the plan.

Mr Want said the Devonport Showground project is unique.

"We have spent a lot of time showing many people from overseas around the country." he said.

"Devonport is a small regional city, but the site is nationally significant because of its proximity to the centre of town and the fact it's already got all the street frontages, and it's a clear site.

"There's an opportunity for something quite special here with the right partners on board."

Mr Want said one thing that sets Tassie apart from almost anywhere else in Australia is the level of accountability here.

"We said we were going to do something, and if we don't do it, there are significant consequences for that," he said.

"It sounds silly, but (wife) Lisa and I always think about what our grandparents would say to us.

"If we say we are going to do something, we do our best job possible. Sometimes it's impossible to do everything you say but as long as you try as hard as possible."

 
Lisa WhiteThe Advocate