The Hodgman Liberal Government’s Plan to drive economic growth and create jobs takes another step forward today with the Macquarie Point site consolidated into a single site.
The Macquarie Point Development Corporation and Tasports have today reached a commercial agreement to transfer the 0.64ha decommissioned Tasports cold store site, on the corner of Davey and Evans Streets, to the corporation.
State Growth Minister Matthew Groom said this transfer consolidates the now 9.3 ha Macquarie Point site into a single precinct.
“This site has the development potential to unlock more than $800 million in new investment while creating thousands of local jobs. The project will deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to Hobart and the people of Tasmania, and will further showcase our state to national and international investment and tourism markets.
“This move improves even further the corporation’s objective of making a significant economic, social and environmental contribution to Hobart and the state.
“We are getting on with the job of facilitating investment that will create jobs for the benefit of all Tasmanians. We need to capitalise on the growing confidence of Tasmanians and Tasmanian businesses, to sustain the growth we are seeing in our economy,” Minister Groom said.
Infrastructure Rene Hidding said this transfer marked a key milestone in developing the site.
“The disposal of the cold store by TasPorts came after the withdrawal of some major customers and a strategic review of the facility and I commend the company for its role in achieving this this transaction,” Minister Hidding said.
“Since the corporation’s inception, the disused cold store site has been identified as a critical component of the Macquarie Point development, as it provides a natural entry point to the site, with the capacity to entice and welcome locals and visitors alike.
“The area, located on part of a former gasworks site, will require remediation, however the corporation is confident it can be achieved efficiently and effectively. This is a good outcome for TasPorts and a good outcome for Macquarie Point.” Minister Hidding said.
The corporation will shortly call for expressions of interest from prospective developers interested in the site – an invitation that is expected to attract a diversity of proposals, ranging from tourist accommodation and residential apartments to commercial and retail developments.
The masterplan shows that landscaped pedestrian and cycle links will reconnect the site with its surroundings, while also completing the pedestrian and bicycle connection from the city to the Regatta Grounds. A series of public open spaces and ‘pocket parks’ will also be accessible from a variety of locations.
This is another reason for Tasmania to be optimistic as we build on the momentum and drive our economy and our State forward.