$70 MILLION DEVELOPMENT CHANGING THE FACE OF DEVONPORT
A long-held community vision has come to life in Devonport, with the Civic Precinct – Stage 1 of the Living City project – now complete.
Tasmanian Nationals Senator Steve Martin said this is the biggest urban renewal project ever undertaken in regional Tasmania and something he’s been fighting for since he was Mayor of Devonport.
“As the arrival and departure point of the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, Devonport is already a buzzing tourist location and now thanks to the new Civic Precinct there are even more reasons to visit this beautiful city and stay longer to see the sights,” Mr Martin said.
Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said one of the key aspects of the new precinct is the Convention Centre, which will redefine Devonport as a major event location.
“A major attraction for the Australian Government’s investment in Living City is the creation of a consolidated land envelope that could facilitate and attract major private sector investment to Devonport, significantly leveraging the investments by all levels of Government and driving continued jobs growth in the region,” Senator Colbeck said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new precinct, which supported more than 300 jobs in its construction and created five jobs upon completion, will be a major tourist drawcard, boosting the region’s economy.
“Across Australia, the Liberal and Nationals Government is investing in regional communities to help them grow and prosper because we know that when the regions are strong so too is our nation.”
Acting Mayor of Devonport Annette Rockliff said the overarching Living City project focuses on tourism, arts, food and services.
“Designed to build on the region’s strengths in a blend of new infrastructure, amenities and experiences, the Living City project will benefit the entire North West region of Tasmania and the Civic Precinct is an exciting first step,” Ms Rockliff said.
This project is jointly funded with the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government investing $9,999,000, the Tasmanian Government $13,000,000 and Devonport City Council $48,100,000.