Old Hobart hostel given new life by government
A former Hobart student hostel deemed as “surplus” will be given a new life as affordable accommodation for locals and migrants, with works under way to bring the units up to standard for transitional housing.
The decision to close Springvale Hostel in New Town late last year was met with frustration by parents of students, as well as the operators who had spent decades working at the site.
Homes Tasmania acquired a lease for the Midwood St site from the Department for Education, Children and Young People, who had “identified the property as surplus to its needs”. They are now in the process of transferring the site for the long term.
“The former Springvale Hostel provides a significant, long-term opportunity to deliver new social and affordable housing that is close to essential services,” a Homes Tasmania spokeswoman said.
The site includes 46 bedsit units, suitable for use by singles or couples. Three family-sized units will also be included.
The spokeswoman said Homes Tasmania was also working with the Migrant Resource Centre on an accommodation model for migrants and refugees on part of the site.
“Minor works are being undertaken to ensure the units meet the requirements for use as transitional housing,” the spokeswoman said.
“We are also progressing planning to redevelop the site to deliver the best long-term housing solution for the site.”
The project is part of the state government’s $1.5bn plan for 10,000 new social and affordable properties by 2032.
Former Springvale Hostel operator Bob Gilmour said he questioned the move, and said he thought it would have been a “no-brainer” to hand the site to the Hobart City High School due to its proximity.
A Department of Education spokeswoman said students who had been housed at the hostel were now being accommodated at three sites, including Jane Franklin Hall and the TasTAFE site at Warrane.
“Families of students who moved to Jane Franklin are not financially worse off in any way,” the spokeswoman said.
They said there had been “high levels of satisfaction” with the move.
“Surveys undertaken with families of students and engagement with the years 11 and 12 students now residing at the TAFE residence also provided unanimous satisfaction and support for these arrangements,” she said.
“Providing access to student residences supports young people living in regional and remote locations to best engage with the continuation of their education through years 11 and 12.”