ERA Planning and Environment was engaged by March Studio on behalf of Lark Distilling Co. to seek planning approvals for the demolition of the existing Shene Estate whisky distillery at 76 Shene Road, Pontville, and the construction of a new larger distillery to accommodate the expanded production of Lark Distillery to meet rising demand.

The planning assessment was made complicated by the site containing several State heritage listed structures, including the main homestead, stables, barn, servants’ quarters, shearing shed, workers’ cottage, numerous outbuildings, and a stone water tank, pump, and irrigation channels.

ERA worked closely with Lark Distilling Co., March Studio Architects, Purcell Architects, Oculus, Inspiring Place and Curio, in addition to Southern Midlands Council and Heritage Tasmania, to ensure that the development respected the heritage values of the site and protected and enhanced these values.

A key aim was to minimise waste through a closed-loop recycling system. Any suitable waste streams from the malting/distilling process will be reused on the agricultural production areas on the site and neighbouring land. This is to be achieved through direct soil application, fertigation and, where suitable, using the spent grain as a feed source for livestock.

Once constructed, the development is expected to provide economic benefits to the local area, including the creation of new jobs in addition to supporting local farmers.