Development Application (DA) approved by Hobart City Council

On 23 April Hobart City Council considered the Development Application for the project and it was approved with some conditions. The specific detail of the conditions for the Development Permit is yet to be fully assessed. However, the decision allows for the building ‘footprint’, height and shape to remain unchanged but will mean some changes to the façade of the building.

Demolition of non heritage-listed buildings (numbers 13 and 17 Liverpool Street) The development permit has been issued for demolition of these buildings. This is likely to begin mid-May 2007 as part of the early works. The University now has vacant possession of no.15 Liverpool Street and a development permit for the demolition of this building has also been lodged with Hobart City Council.

Heritage issues

There are a number of heritage issues concerning the site that are being progressed.  An appeal has been lodged in relation to some of the conditions applied by the Tasmanian Heritage Council. The University is engaging the services of national-level experts in the fields of Heritage Architecture and Heritage Archaeology to support the appeal.

Further information will be provided in the next project newsletter about progress in this area.

Funding for the project

A Business Case with a recommendation for an additional $4.9 million in funding for the Stage 1 Project is to be considered by the UTAS Finance Committee in early May and then the Built Environment Committee. This is to provide an additional 60 laboratory seats, 60 small workstations and 30 larger workstations.

Planning for the future use of Hollydene House (called the Stage 2 Project) will follow a separate planning process (i.e. it is not within the Stage 1 Project budget). It is possible that Hollydene may be used for student amenities or other functions in the future.

Workshops to further refine the project brief and confirm functional arrangements

A series of six workshops have been held recently to review the functions and future operation of the building. These workshops have provided valuable insights into how the facilities will be used on a day to day basis and have highlighted areas where further clarification is required.

The workshops also identified some policy issues which require decisions by the Project Steering Committee. The most recent Project Steering Committee was held on Friday, 27 April 2007. Relevant decisions will be advised via this website.

Latest plans

The latest draft of floor plans for the facility will be posted on the website as soon as they become available.

Co-location Project Office | Phone: 6226 7394 | Email: co.location@utas.edu.au