NEWS RELEASE
March 2, 2022
Critical milestone achieved
The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) says last week’s Board approval – and today’s signing – of the Grant Deed to procced in partnership with the Government on the redevelopment of the Showground is a critical mile stone for the project.
In the weeks ahead the Society will appoint a Project Management Team. “Once this occurs, we will have everything in place to hit the ground running once the DA is approved,” said Scott Gadd, CEO of the RAST.
Up to 150 social/affordable units will be built at the Showground under the agreement with the state government. The wider $250 million redevelopment will also include an ultra-modern Showground pavilion and arena, private housing, visitor attractions and services. Forty percent of the site has been designed as green space by the Society’s nationally award winning architects, Partners Hill.
“The new Showground precinct is a vision 10 years in the making. I’d like to thank the Premier Mr Gutwein, for embracing our vision,” said Mr Gadd. “This development will meet critical needs for the community and will also provide an outstanding amenity in the Northern Suburbs of Hobart.
“The social housing aspect helps the Government to address a community need, while at the same time pressing the start button to a wider, exemplary redevelopment which will redefine the northern suburbs”.
The redevelopment footprint is the equivalent of three Hobart city CBD blocks.
Mr Gadd thanked New Insights Australia and Consultant Director to the RAST, Tim Lucas. “Tim’s strong background in successful development projects, and the advice of New Insights, has substantially assisted the Society in reaching the position we’re now in.
“I also want to recognise the work of State Growth officers who helped to negotiate a complex Deed that needed to align with the necessary cash flows to allow the project to proceed.”
The redevelopment will be preceded by the demolition of old structures at the Showground, likely to occur from early August this year.
ENDS
For further information: Scott Gadd, RAST CEO, on: 0417 322 460.
(Eds: Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing, Michael Ferguson, at the Showground today, Wednesday, March 2, at 1.30pm to sign Deed with directors of the RAST)