- Kings Quarter development is in Kingston on Hobart’s outskirts
- First stage will consist of 80 homes
- Ultimately, 600 new jobs will be created over the whole project
The first stage of the Kings Quarter development – known as Birch Row – had the first sod turned yesterday signalling the beginning of construction on the new $300 million development.
Located in Kingston, about 12km from Hobart’s CBD, the project will ultimately home 360 houses with retail and commercial spaces.
The site was previously the location of the local Kingston High high school which was located back in 2011.
The first stage will consist of 80 new homes and is expected this stage will create 60 jobs this year.
Traders in Purple, a New South Wales and Queensland based developer, were selected by the Kingborough Council to deliver the project.
Professionals, downsizers and young families are the target market for the development.
Tasmanian Premier, Peter Gutwein, says the development is a bold project that demonstrates the growing confidence in the State.
“We are focused on growing our economy, creating jobs, and getting even more Tasmanians back into work as we continue to rebuild a stronger Tasmania, and projects like this are exactly what our State needs as we continue to recover,” he said.
“Traders in Purple are a significant investor in the Tasmanian economy, reflecting the company’s faith and confidence in our State as the place to invest.”
“It’s another positive step in our ongoing recovery, and comes after the Revised Estimates Report released earlier this week confirmed improvement in the State’s financial position, and our economy is growing faster than expected.”
Ultimately, the Tasmanian Government said in its entirety the project will deliver 600 new jobs to the local economy.
Along with the new homes, a new community hub and café have been opened with a wellness centre and swimming pool to be constructed during the first stage.
Michael Fergurson, the Minister for State Growth, is confident the development will flourish the broader Kingborough economy.
“Today marks the beginning of a development that will ultimately encompass a range of housing types, as well as retail, dining, entertainment and office space, centred around the Kingborough Council’s new multimillion dollar public park and playground area,” Minister Ferguson said.
“It will bring jobs, investment, and numerous economic benefits to our State, which will be vital in our economic recovery from the pandemic.
“The Tasmanian Government is playing its part to future-proof the area with $72.3 million committed for initiatives that will support improved southern transport access to Hobart city, a key component of the Hobart City Deal.”
