Redevelopment of Hobart Showgrounds to create a vibrant hub of retail, regular events and entertainment

The final $42.15 million funding agreement for the redevelopment of Hobart Showgrounds between the Tasmanian Government and Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania to deliver a new showground pavilion, arena, site infrastructure, commercial precinct, large areas of public open space, and the building of over 450 new affordable homes - 150 of which will be social housing units under a deal with the state government - has been signed this week.

Masterplan architect Timothy Hill, of Partners Hill, said while housing was a key part of the redevelopment, the vision was also focused on a broad activation of the site, reinvigorating the precinct by turning it into a vibrant hub of retail, regular events and entertainment.

The redeveloped precinct will feature new facilities for community, business, sporting, tourism and commercial uses, and be designed for high levels of utilisation with events, activities, shows, trade shows, markets, music, conferences and commercial activities.

The Tasmanian Government has announced a 10-year housing package, in excess of $1.5 billion, to build on their existing reforms and considers the showground redevelopment as a means to establish a new community in a prime location, close to amenities, transport, schools, recreation facilities and attractions.

Speaking after Wednesday's signing of the agreement, Tasmanian Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing, Michael Ferguson advised “This number of houses will make a significant contribution to Hobart’s overall housing stock, in a highly accessible area close to employment, shops, schools, and transport networks including the future activation of the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor.

“Overall, the redevelopment is expected to encourage more that $230 million in investment on new facilities and housing in the area in the next four years alone, and in even better news, it will create up to 200 jobs in the building and construction industry. It also assists us in our goal of delivering more housing for Tasmanians by delivering 150 lots of land.

“This level of investment will provide significant opportunities for local businesses and suppliers to benefit from the redevelopment.

“I look forward to seeing the project get underway shortly and its completion by early 2025.”

Scott Gadd, Chief Executive of the Royal Agricultural Show Society Tasmania  said the masterplan for stage three was the culmination of a journey that started more than a decade ago advising that the current site is very tired adding “We’ve been here since about 1906 and some of those buildings that are here today were here when we arrived then. It’s old, it’s dated and it’s time to start again.”

Image courtesy of Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania