$60m precinct to transform town
THE first stage of an “innovative and accessible” new mixed-use industrial precinct at Bridgewater has been granted planning approvals, with construction of the $60m project set to get under way early next year.
The first stage of the Point. B development, described as “the first of its kind in Tasmania”, was recently given the go-ahead by Brighton Council.
The precinct, developed by the Young Group, will occupy a 5.5ha site on Cove Hill Rd, east of the Jordan River.
Young Group general manager Mark Slater said some of Australia’s leading architects and urban designers had been engaged to transform the site and planning for stage one – to start in early 2023 – was well-advanced.
“Point. B will not only be a vibrant new precinct for businesses to trade, its unique community-integrated design means it will be a destination for people to come together, to enjoy recreational activities and to socialise,” Mr Slater said.
The precinct is expected to support more than 600 jobs and house a variety of different businesses, including major retailers and advanced manufacturers, food producers, breweries and distilleries, and smaller makers and craftspeople.
Mr Slater said the development had been designed to support businesses to grow and improve their efficiency through shared infrastructure and on-site services.
Point. B will ultimately include green spaces, landscaped gardens and health-focused social infrastructure.
Young Group head of development Siobhan Fernantzen said the company had also recently signed a Heads of Agreement with indoor rock-climbing facility Beta Park to explore the potential for a bouldering gym at the Bridgewater site.
“Our goal for Point. B is to create a safe and accessible public space that enriches the community and helps to revolutionise how people view and interact with industrial precincts,” she said.
Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray said the council was “excited” to see the development get under way and “see the project benefits flow throughout our community”.
State Development, Construction and Housing Minister Guy Barnett said the Tasmanian government was a “strong supporter” of the Point. B development.