City unveils stage one of big revamp

STAGE one of Devonport’s city revitalisation project is complete with a striking new civic building open for business.

The Living City project is transforming the North-West city and attention will now turn to the next stage — a waterfront precinct boasting a new $35 million hotel.

The new paranaple centre was officially opened yesterday as the Devonport City Council celebrated the completion of the project’s $71.1 million first stage. The centre houses a state-of-the-art library, Service Tasmania, a cafe, Devonport Online and Devonport City Council offices.

It also boasts an 800-seat conference centre, which hosted its first major event two weeks ago, a multi-level carpark and a food pavilion to showcase the region’s premium produce.

Next month, the Devonport Art Gallery, Visitor Information Centre and the former Devonport Entertainment Centre will complete their relocation on the adjoining site.

Work will then start on the waterfront precinct, which will feature a hotel, residential apartments, riverside park and a possibly a marina.

“`The precinct will connect the city to the water with attractive public space and an ex- pansive viewing platform stretching from the CBD to the edge of the Mersey River, providing an opportunity to view the Spirit of Tasmania ferries,’’ Devonport Acting Mayor Annette Rockliff said.

Fairbrother has been selected as the preferred proponent of the $35 million waterfront hotel. It is expected to take about two years to build, with site works expected to begin next year.

Alderman Rockliff said money from the state and federal governments had helped make the project a reality.

The State Government contributed $14 million to stage one as part of its $90 million Northern Cities Development Initiative.

Premier Will Hodgman said the project would not just transform Devonport but have an impact on the whole region.

“The fully completed project is estimated to generate $112 million annually in additional economic output, and provide up to 830 ongoing jobs,” Mr Hodgman said.

In July, Canberra put up $10 million to help with Living City’s next stage.