Second airbridge a step closer

AN AIRBRIDGE linking the Hobart Private Hospital and a new $46 million hotel development has been given the green light by the council’s city planning committee.

During a Hobart City Council meeting last night, all aldermen on the committee voted in favour of the airbridge after being shown a 3D computer model of the Argyle St crossing.

Committee head Alderman Jeff Briscoe backed the 26.5 metre airbridge — the second of its kind on the street — saying it beats having to cross through traffic.

The application is expected to go to council for final approval as early as Monday.

In early March, Hobart Private general manager John Amery said the airbridge would enable the hospital to expand.

“The airbridge will allow clinicians and support infrastructure and health services to be located in Argyle Central, enabling us to increase the number of beds at Hobart Private, which has been much needed for some time,” Mr Amery said.

Raadas Property managing director Richard Doedens said the 4.5-star Vibe hotel development would include 142 rooms, as well as office and medical suites.

“There will be four levels of office and associated medical consulting space, and the ground floor will house the hotel/public restaurant area,” he said.

“We expect the office levels to be occupied by medical and health support services.”

Construction is yet to start on the hotel but it is expected to be completed late next year.