Frequently Asked Questions: draft Sullivans Cove Master Plan
What is a Master Plan?
Sullivans Cove is a much studied area and a number of planning and urban design documents have been produced over the years.
These earlier reports were reviewed during the development of the draft Master Plan.
The draft Master Plan develops a whole-of-Cove vision and strategic framework to guide the future development of Sullivans Cove.
How do current developments such as Parliament Square and Princes Wharf No 1 Shed fit with the Master Plan?
Current developments such as Parliament Square and Princes Wharf No 1 Shed are consistent with the principles outlined in the Master Plan and will contribute to realising the Master Plans Vision.
Parliament Square has an emphasis on mixed-use development and will positively contribute to the intensity and diversity of activity within the Cove.
The redevelopment of the Princes Wharf No 1 Shed will create an improved public events space, which will increase year round activity in this area and provide opportunities for new civic and social events.
Where will the money come from to implement the Master Plan?
The Master Plan is a long term vision for the Cove and it is anticipated that the various development opportunities will be implemented over time, with funding coming from a variety of sources.
Private sector investment, consistent with the Master Plan Vision and which contributes positively to the public domain is encouraged.
Several of the projects identified within the Master Plan are already being implemented using funding provided by the State Government: including the redevelopment of the Princes Wharf No 1 Shed and improvements to the public spaces on Franklin Wharf, while other Projects such as the redevelopment of Parliament Square and Macquarie Wharf No 1 Shed will be funded through commercial investment.
What does the Master Plan propose for the Brooke Street Ferry Terminal?
The Master Plan notes that the current Brooke Street Ferry infrastructure is in need of replacement.
However, the Master Plan is not a prescriptive or statutory document, and while it outlines broad principles to inform the development of new ferry infrastructure it does not define the parameters of any redevelopment.
The principles developed in the Master Plan will provide high-level guidance: however, any proposal for redevelopment of the Brooke Street Ferry Terminal will be assessed against the planning provisions in the Sullivans Cove Planning Scheme
What role will the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority have in the implementation of the Master Plan?
The Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority is currently the planning authority with responsibility for assessing applications for development within the Sullivans Cove Planning Area.
The Master Plans implementation section contains a direction that the role of the Authority be reviewed.
What does the Master Plan do about Macquarie and Davey Streets?
The Master Plan has a focus on reconnecting the Cove with the broader city. Mitigating the negative impacts of the Macquarie and Davey Street couplet is a key aspect of this goal.
The Master Plan proposes that the vehicle speed limit along the couplet be reduced in the section between Campbell and Harrington Streets and that the potential for mid-block crossings be investigated.
Macquarie Street is identified as particularly important, and the Master Plan notes opportunities for this street to be improved by increasing the level of ground floor activity and broadening footpaths.
Similarly, the Master Plan notes that the safety and amenity of connections across the couplet needs improvement.
What does the Master Plan mean for the port?
The Master Plan supports the working port.
The Master Plan sets out to ensure the long term viability of the port by capitalising upon Hobarts geographical advantage and identifies opportunities for the expansion of port activities beyond maintenance, provisioning and cargo handling, to include an increased Antarctic and Southern Ocean focus, border protection, improved cruise ship facilities and synergies with education and research institutions.
What does the Master Plan propose for the Hobart Railyards site?
The Master Plan identifies the Hobart Railyards as an important site for the future of the Cove and the City.
While acknowledging the complexities involved in developing the site, due to high levels of contamination, the Master Plan proposes that the Railyards be regenerated as an integrated and robust multi-use precinct.
The Master Plan does not prescribe the potential mix of uses, however development could include activities such as: research and educational institutions, commercial opportunities, accommodation, residential facilities and associated public spaces.
Why doesnt the Master Plan nominate a site for a new hotel on the waterfront?
The Master Plan is a strategic document which emphasises a diverse mix of activity across the whole Cove. It does not prescribe particular developments for specific sites, nor does it preclude opportunities.
Development within the Cove is expected to occur incrementally over time. Each development will influence the Coves mix of activity and hence the potential uses that will be viable in subsequent developments.
Accommodation is expected to be among the range of uses that will be incorporated within the Coves various redevelopment opportunities, and the Railyards site in particular represents a major opportunity.
Shouldnt tourism be a greater component of the Master Plans vision?
The Master Plan has a focus on improving the quality of the Cove as a place for people, creating a great destination that will attract locals and tourists alike. It promotes a diversity of activity across the whole Cove, and acknowledges that tourism activities are an important component of this mix.
The Master Plan establishes a broad vision for the future of the Cove as a vibrant focal point for the surrounding city: a popular meeting place with high quality public spaces, a vital and durable working port and an educational and research hub.
By enhancing the Coves appeal as a unique destination the Master Plan creates an environment in which tourism and other commercial activities can thrive.
Will there be new public toilets within the Cove?
The Master Plan identifies the potential for improvements to the quality of some of the Coves public spaces. This would include improvements to public facilities and infrastructure.
Hobart City Council is currently undertaking a needs-analysis to determine the requirements for more toilet facilities and indentify the most appropriate sites(s) for new toilet facilities to be installed.
Does the Master Plan provide new cycling routes?
The Master Plan promotes sustainable transport opportunities that reduce the reliance on motor vehicles.
This includes improving connections between the existing cycling paths to provide a safe and continuous route and create an integrated inner-city cycle network.
Does the Master Plan restrict the heights of buildings?
No. The Master Plan is a broad strategic framework.
The Sullivans Cove Planning Scheme 1997 includes provisions that address building heights.
The Master Plan establishes principles which will inform development at a whole-of-Cove level. These include an emphasis on design excellence, minimum five star building standards and a consideration of the context of adjoining spaces and buildings.
How do the wind turbines on the Marine Board Building fit with the Master Plan?
The Master Plan promotes environmentally sustainable development, which includes renewable energy technologies where appropriate.
How does the Master Plan compare with the Planning Scheme and the Urban Design Framework?
The Master Plan is a non-statutory strategic document and does not replace the Sullivans Cove Planning Scheme 1997 or the Hobart Waterfront Urban Design Framework 2004.
Any proposals for development will continue to be assessed against the Sullivans Cove Planning Scheme 1997 and the Hobart Waterfront Urban Design Framework 2004.
However, it is recommended that a review of the statutory planning framework follow the finalisation of the Master Plan to remove any inconsistencies.