New snag in hospital bid
AN application for a contentious new private hospital in New Town has been recommended for refusal by council staff for a second time.
The project was originally knocked back by the Hobart City Council in December, on grounds including that it did not contribute positively to the streetscape and would have an unreasonable impact on residential amenity.
A $55M private hospital development proposed for a site in Hobart has been recommended for refusal by council planning staff for a second time.
Nexus Hospitals and Tasmanian construction firm Contact Group want to build a boutique short-stay hospital at the former WIN TV studios at New Town.
The project was originally knocked back by the Hobart City Council in December, on grounds including that it did not contribute positively to the streetscape and would have an unreasonable impact on residential amenity.
In June, a second application with “substantial alterations and improvements in line with feedback received” was submitted, Nexus CEO Andrew Petering said.
If built, the Tasman Private Hospital would feature an acute surgical hospital with six operating theatres and a 24bed overnight ward.
Co-located health services such as general practice, pharmacy, radiology, pathology and health support services, as well as conference and research facilities, have also been mooted.
Council officers have recommended the second application also be refused by the planning committee, which will meet on Monday night.
The council received 161 public representations on the application, of which 68 were against and 93 were in support.
The council’s Urban Design Advisory Panel found the proposal failed to show a building of this proposed floor area, height and bulk “can positively contribute to the streetscape, be compatible with scale of nearby buildings and not result in unreasonable impact on residential amenity”.
The proponents hope to include a dramatic artwork by one of Tasmania’s most celebrated artists if the development is approved.
A 4.6m x 5.7m concrete sculpture at the main entry of the site by the late Stephen Walker would be incorporated into the new hospital foyer.
Best known for the Abel Tasman fountain in Salamanca Square, Heading South at Victoria Dock and Tidal Pools at Sandy Bay, Mr Walker’s pieces were mostly bronze sculptures, which makes the concrete artwork at New Town unique.
Son Adam Walker said it was important to the family that his father’s legacy was recognised.
“With the right mounting, the results can be quite striking and dramatic,” he said.
“Dad would be happy with this proposal — his attitude was art is a living and evolving creature.”
Mr Walker said while his focus was on his dad’s work, he was aware of concerns about the development.
Mr Petering said the medical hub was in “line with current medical best practice”.
A spokesman for a group of New Town residents opposed to the development, Glenn Woodfall, said the second DA had again failed to address the concerns of residents.