ERA was engaged by Glenorchy City Council to undertake the independent planning assessment for the Wilkinsons Point development presented by LK Property Group. This Melbourne-based company is redeveloping Wilkinsons Point in partnership with the council and the State Government as the new home for a Tasmanian NBL team.

The proposal was for a series of planning scheme amendments to the Glenorchy Interim Planning Scheme 2015 to facilitate the use of Wilkinsons Point as a sporting and entertainment precinct. The planning scheme amendments involved both rezoning of land and the inclusion of a specific area plan.

The following outcomes were sought:

• to provide for a state NBL team training and performance facility, supported by a range of active recreation, hotel accommodation, sports retail and food services while retaining public access for passive recreation and community events
• to cultivate a vibrant and engaging district that prioritises pedestrian movement and activity through designed, landscaped areas, integrated infrastructure and connectivity within the site
• to ensure that sports-focused retail outlets enhance and support recreational and entertainment activities on the site, without undermining the activity centre hierarchy.

ERA was responsible for the initial review of the application, reporting to council on the initiation and certification of the amendment, analysing public submissions and representing council at public hearings before the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

The amendments were approved by the Commission in August 2020. An application for a planning permit to redevelop the Derwent Entertainment Centre was approved in early 2021 and the redevelopment is now underway.