The Tasmanian government has unveiled the first designs for a development parcel at Macquarie Point, a 9.3-hectare urban renewal area below the Hobart Cenotaph.
The $100 million development, dubbed The Escarpment, has been awarded to developer Milieu following a competitive tender process. It will include three buildings incorporating apartments, short stay accommodation, retail and hospitality. A spokesperson for Milieu said the buildings would be designed by Fieldwork with Core Collective Architects.
“The Escarpment will be a mixed-use precinct that celebrates Tasmania and fosters community at Macquarie Point — with strong connections to Sullivan’s Cove, the Regatta grounds, the River Derwent and the Headland,” said the developer.
However, the proposal has been criticized by the state opposition and others who are concerned about the lack of social housing and the potentially squandering of an important piece of Hobart’s waterfront.
The Escarpment development in Hobart by Fieldwork with Core Collective.
“The redevelopment of Macquarie Point was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvent Hobart’s waterfront and attract local investment and jobs, whilst providing an affordable housing option for inner-city living,” said shadow housing minister Ella Haddad. The proposal does not include provision of social or affordable housing.
In a statement, Tasmanian development and housing minister Michael Ferguson said the development area would be widely accessible to the public and would include a rooftop bar, a restaurant and a green roof with public open space. It would also provide 24/7 direct access, including disability access, from Macquarie Point through to the Cenotaph.
“Milieu’s development was chosen from a strong calibre of proposed options for the site, with Milieu’s design aligning to the overall vision for Macquarie Point, while acknowledging the site’s history, Tasmania’s Aboriginal history, and important linkages with the Cenotaph,” he said. “Milieu’s design also provides significant public amenity and incorporates innovative design elements.”
The federal government is contributing $45 million for the remediation of the site to allow for the development to go ahead.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
