Planning approvals show Launceston open for business

Published on 16 November 2017

The City of Launceston approved $112.4m worth of development in 594 planning applications across the municipality in 2016/17.

Residential was the largest use class, comprising $61.1m of the $112.4m total, in 368 planning applications.

This was followed by 'business and professional services' worth $21.3m across 30 applications, covering building extensions, solar panel installations, office upgrades, signage, and general improvements to banks, gyms, medical centres, cafes and post offices across the municipality.

The 'passive recreation' class, which included planning applications for the first elements of the North Bank redevelopment, and the Launceston City Heart Project redevelopment of Civic Square, was worth more than $7.5m.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the Council had approved more than half a billion dollars' worth of development in four years, and had refused just three applications in the 2016-17 financial year.

"Since 2013-14, the City of Launceston has approved $546,458,002 worth of development across Launceston, and we're approving faster than we ever have before," Mayor van Zetten said.

"Under Tasmania's planning legislation, councils have 42 days to process discretionary applications. The City of Launceston has consistently improved its approval turnaround times over the past four years, despite increases in the total number of applications. We're committed to identifying efficiencies and eliminating waste from our processes in order to deliver the best outcomes we can to the community."

'Community meeting and entertainment' saw $2.5m worth of investment in 11 applications, including improvements to function centres, community halls and churches.

'Utility' applications were valued at $2.2m, and saw 14 approvals for the construction of dedicated telecommunications infrastructure at Swan Bay, Windermere, Targa, Rocherlea, Prospect, Blessington, and Nunamara, as well as water storage and weather monitoring equipment in suburbs like Kings Meadows, Prospect, and Mowbray.

'Food services' represented $1.3m worth of investment in 21 applications, covering approvals for restaurant and café improvements, signage, new outdoor eating areas, store rooms, drive-thru facilities, and shipping container fitouts.

'General retail and hire' saw 20 applications valued at $1.5m, including improvements to shops, supermarkets and salons.

'Education and occasional care' saw $5.7m worth of investment in 24 applications, covering new learning areas, sheds, training areas, outbuildings, administration buildings, shelters, and new classrooms at schools and learning facilities in Lilydale, Newstead, Invermay, South Launceston and Trevallyn.

'Manufacturing and processing' represented $1.2m across seven applications, for improvements to wood fabrication, laser cutting, metal fabrication, fabric processing, joinery and embroidery businesses, including new workshops, building additions, and upgrades to sheds, offices, and showrooms.

"It's fantastic to see so much private investment going on in so many different sectors around Launceston, and the City of Launceston is continuing to take a very proactive role in encouraging development by working with proponents to ensure their projects can meet the requirements of the planning scheme, and the expectations of the community," Mayor van Zetten said.

"When you couple private investment with the significant public projects that are on the books, including the North Bank redevelopment, the Launceston City Heart Project, the $260m University of Tasmania relocation, and the various elements of the Launceston City Deal, this is an incredibly exciting time for Launceston.

"Our city is going to change dramatically in the years ahead, because of the work we are undertaking now."

In terms of residential planning applications, which include the construction of new dwellings, outbuildings, extensions, carports, swimming pools, sheds, decks, and the demolition of old buildings, Kings Meadows was Launceston's boom construction suburb, with 43 applications worth $8.5m.

West Launceston residents didn't shy from DIY, with $5.8m worth of work in 30 projects.

Newstead was also a renovator's delight, with $5.46m worth of approved development across 36 applications. Central Launceston was next on the list with 30 residential planning applications worth $4.93m.

Residents in Prospect lodged 14 residential planning applications worth $3.03m, and South Launcestonians applied for $4.95m of works across 20 residential planning applications.

"It's pleasing that there does not appear to be an ongoing decline in CBD shop vacancies and that businesses are continuing to invest to upgrade and improve their offerings to the public," Mayor van Zetten said.

"Of course there are still challenges ahead. Many of those challenges aren't unique to Launceston — they are being faced by the retail sector right across Australia.

"The City of Launceston has shown its commitment to improving the amenity of the CBD through the Launceston City Heart Project, which will shift its focus to the Brisbane St Mall early next year, and that's clearly going to be an important project for our city.

"As we approach the end of the calendar year, there are a lot of exciting projects underway.

"Some — like the North Bank redevelopment and the new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the North Esk River — will start as soon as next month.

"We're very excited about the work ahead, and the City of Launceston will continue to demonstrate that Launceston is open for business, open to new ideas, and open to opportunity."