FIT FOR A KING(STON) IN TASMANIA
28 Nov 2018
The town of Kingston in Tasmania will receive a $300 million urban renewal, including 4-hectares of greenspace, to create a thriving mixed-use district that will better accommodate projected growth for the city.
Plans to turn an 11.3-hectare site into a thriving commercial and residential district to alleviate the city’s growing pains has been launched by Kingborough Council, who appointed Sydney-based developer Traders in Purple as their partners on the $300 million Kingston Park project.
Formerly Kingston High School, the underutilised community asset has been under consideration for a range of projects since the closure of the school in 2010.
Currently, plans include a community hub with public cinema, a mix of low and medium-density housing options, retirement living, including aged care, as well as commercial space and 4-hectares of parkland.
“The revitalised Kingston Park will be highly accessible with open community space ideally suited for flexible outdoor events, trails, play areas and leisure amenities to provide a new lifestyle destination where Kingborough residents and visitors can connect, enjoy and relax in a great location,” claim the architects.
One of the fastest growing areas in Tasmania, Kingborough is projected to grow by almost 40 percent by 2040.
If approved, the development will provide up to 400 residential dwellings, stimulate up to 1000 skilled jobs and inject up to $80 million a year into the local economy.
“The $300m Kingston Park project in Tasmania will serve as a beacon to other businesses to identify and develop opportunities in regional centres across Australia,” says Senator for Tasmania Eric Abetz.
Traders in Purple chief executive Brett Robinson said the company is honoured to be selected to deliver the project, underpinning its importance to regional southern Tasmania.
“This is the first of Traders In Purple’s three Tasmanian initiatives to commence; and cements our commitment to invest in excess of $750m across Tasmania,” states Robinson.
“This type of long-term commitment to major infrastructure projects by councils, the state government, and Traders In Purple will serve to boost Tasmania’s economy in a sustainable manner and offer skilled employment opportunities, training, and apprenticeships for the foreseeable future.”
The first stage of construction is scheduled to commence next year, with development to be paced over several stages.