Queue for the new

CONSTRUCTION of seven of the nine stages of one of the biggest residential developments in Hobart since the 1990s is almost complete, with blocks being snapped up by developers and homeowners.

Blocks in stage four of the 114-block estate Garrington Park – the 10ha site of the former Kemp & Denning brickworks in New Town – hit the market this week.

Raine & Horne Tasmania director Ron Brooks said the first four stages were complete, with all of the first two sold and only three remaining in stage three.

He said building activity was at a high level.

“We’re well into construction of the next three stages and that will only leave two to do,” he said.

“There’s one person already living in the estate and there are about another dozen homes at different stages of progress. Along with the rest of demand in real estate, we’ve found there’s been quite a high consumer demand for reasonably accessible land which is nice and flat so close to the city.”

Under construction at the site is one of the state’s first universal access display homes.

Local builders Sharon and Peter Overton, of Lifetime Homes, are looking to cater to Tasmania’s growing ageing population and those living with a disability.

The SmartHome was designed with more than 30 features for those with a disability as well as built-in features that can be activated if needed, including wider doors and hallways, reinforcement of bathroom and toilet walls for grabrails, and voice and touch controls.

“We believe homes should be built above the

minimum standard and be suitable for all ages and abilities,” Mr Overton said.

Paraquad Tasmania chair David Cawthorn said a SmartHome would be future proof for residents.

“Homes built now should have features that can be adapted as people get older or become disabled, rather than traditional homes where it costs a fortune to try and adapt,” he said.