East Coast projects go to vote

Hotel to bank on penguins

APPLICATIONS for the redevelopment of a rundown former East Coast hotel into accommodation nests and the refurbishment of the Derwent Entertainment Centre will be voted on by their respective councils this week.

Last year, millionaire businesswoman Jan Cameron’s company submitted plans to council to redevelop the former Silver Sands Hotel into a unique East Coast tourism development next to a little penguin habit.

It is recommended for approval at Tuesday’s Glamorgan Spring Bay Council meeting.

The plans would see the demolition of the existing 1960s structure and the construction of 12 new visitor accommodation units.

Designed by local firm PhilpLighton Architects, the development would be known as The Rookery.

The reclusive Kathmandu founder bought the property in 2004, with locals expressing frustrations since about the property falling into disrepair. It has not operated as a hotel since 2015.

Conditions protecting the local penguin populations would be built into any permit granted by council.

Meanwhile, the refurbishment and extension of the existing Derwent Entertainment Centre has also been recommended for approval at Thursday’s Glenorchy City Council planning authority meeting.

It is the first development application to progress the new Wilkinsons Point master plan by the LK Group and will allow for future National Basketball League games.

The floor area would be increased from 6800sq m to 9897sq m plus there are plans for dining and outdoor extensions to create a corporate bar and dining area for functions and events plus a sports bar.