The Glenorchy City Council today approved a major redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Showgrounds along with supporting a planning scheme amendment to allow a tourist operation at the iconic Cadbury factory in Claremont.
Acting Mayor Russell Yaxley said the showgrounds redevelopment would be an exciting new chapter for the site.
“This approval allows the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania to redevelop the facility, cementing the site as the home of the Royal Hobart Show for many years to come.
“Council officers have worked extremely hard with the society as part of Council’s due diligence in assessing the society’s proposed redevelopment, and I’m confident this approval will allow the society to construct the infrastructure it needs as a contemporary organisation which provides such an iconic event to public,” he said.
The redevelopment includes a new pavilion, theatre, auditorium, oval, plaza, public bar, and café, and was approved with a number of conditions.
Acting Mayor Yaxley said the council, sitting as the Glenorchy Planning Authority, also agreed to prepare a planning scheme amendment which would support a tourist operation at the Cadbury factory.
“While there has not been a specific application to construct a visitor centre at the factory to this point, this decision allows for the planning scheme to be amended to accommodate a tourist-based visitor experience.
“The council will now prepare an amendment for consideration by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, with the public having the opportunity to make representations prior to that occurring.
“The GPA has determined that in preparing this amendment, there are some challenges which need to be considered through a Specific Area Plan. This will ensure the applicant has clarity in taking this forward, and Council has adequate ability to place necessary controls on any development.
“The visitor experience at Cadbury as has been discussed is an amazing concept.
“It will no doubt add to our city and bring economic gain – but it must be done really well and with a best-practice approach given the uniqueness of the site, considering the proximity to a residential area and the history of the Cadbury factory,” he said.