Housing in DEC deal

STUDENT accommodation is being considered as a late addition to the proposed development by NBL boss Larry Kestelman at Wilkinsons Point, council documents reveal.

STUDENT accommodation is being considered as a late addition to a proposed worldclass lifestyle precinct in Glenorchy, council documents reveal.

The Glenorchy City Council planning authority will today consider a planning scheme amendment which would help pave the way for the development of Wilkinsons Point near the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

Last month, National Basketball League owner Larry Kestelman unveiled his masterplan for Wilkinsons Point, with up to $200 million to be invested in the area.

The plan for the waterside property includes an 11-storey hotel, restaurants, multipurpose indoor sports facilities, a high-performance centre and retail shops.

The project hinges on support from the State Government to refurbish the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

Mr Kestelman, owner and executive chairman of the NBL, is in exclusive negotiations with the council over the sale of the DEC and surrounding land.

The council will consider an amendment to the Glenorchy Interim Planning Scheme, including adding a specific area plan for Wilkinsons Point and rezoning the site from ‘community purpose’ to ‘recreation’.

Council documents identify a number of issues which will need clarifying or further information before the amendment can be finalised, including the issue of including a residential component for student accommodation.

“It is noted that based on discussions with the applicant that this use was a relatively late inclusion and discussions with the University of Tasmania has not been fully explored prior to the submission of the request,” the council report states.

The university did not wish to comment, but in a media release in April, UTAS spokesman Jason Purdie said it was likely the university would look farther afield from central Hobart for future student accommodation developments.

“With increased density in the city and improvements in public transport, it is likely the next accommodation hubs will be elsewhere in greater Hobart. We look forward to working with municipalities such as Glenorchy to realise that future,” he said.

If the planning scheme amendment is ticked off by council today and additional information is given by the proponents, the draft changes would then be publicly advertised for comment.

The LK Group and the National Basketball League were contacted for comment.