Showground big-box bid

PLANS to build a big-box retail outlet at the Hobart Showground has taken a massive step forward this week with the State Government allocating $1.5 million to proceed with stage two of the redevelopment.

Under the plan, major retailers Spotlight and Anaconda would build stores on the land southwest of the Bunnings outlet, according to Royal Agricultural Society CEO Scott Gadd.

The $1.5 million funding was an election promise made by the Liberals in January.

The masterplan also proposes to build a go-kart track, temporary backpacker hostel, veterinary centre and a domestic animal training facility.

The changes are part of a range of measures to increase the Show Society’s future viability, because the revenue stream from Bunnings and the show itself was not enough to pay for the rising costs of maintaining the showgrounds, Mr Gadd said.

Stage two involves relocating the showground’s stables and kennels pavilion to make way for the retail development.

Mr Gadd said money from the retail development would allow the creation of a new exhibition space building on the Brooker Highway.

“We’ve been negotiating this for the past two years,” Mr Gadd said.

For the plan to go ahead, the society needs to have the Hobart Showground Specific Area Plan amended.

On Tuesday night at the Glenorchy City Council planning committee meeting, the councillors unanimously agreed to initiate the consultation process required for proposed amendments to the Special Area Plan for the showground site.

“RAST submitted in support of the process that the amendments would assist in ensuring the future viability of the society,” Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston said.

“Members of the public are now invited to make formal representations on the proposed amendments.”

A separate development application for the Anaconda-Spotlight retail precinct would need to be submitted.

Mr Gadd said the society’s initial plans were for the hostel to act as accommodation for people that look after the animals during the show.

“In the past they used to sleep in the sheds but you’re not allowed to do that anymore,” he said.

“Then I was thinking about the homeless situation and thought if we could access more money it could act as a crisis accommodation hostel.”