A Tasmanian developer has announced a suite of ambitious projects across the state, including a beachside hotel, residential apartments, a conference centre, and a childcare facility. Errol Stewart, the businessman behind the Stewart Group and JMC car dealership, revealed plans for developments exceeding $100 million during a press conference in Launceston. He highlighted the potential for “significant delays” in the planning phases and emphasized a commitment to community feedback, stating he would not pursue projects that face strong local opposition.
Among the key proposals is a $35 million hotel and apartment complex located on the foreshore at Camdale, near Burnie. The project, named the Strait Hotel, is envisioned to sit on a 3-hectare plot of land purchased from the Burnie City Council in 2024. This site is positioned directly across from an existing JMC car dealership, which is also set for a $3 million redevelopment.
Mr. Stewart has made clear that community engagement will be central to the planning process. “We’ll be asking the community, ‘Do you think this is a good thing? Do you really support it?'” he remarked. “If the answer is a strong ‘no’, we’d have to revise it.”
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the project, concerns have been raised about the impact on local wildlife, particularly the colony of little penguins that inhabit the area. Perviz Marker, a penguin ecologist, stated that the Camdale penguin colony has significantly increased in population over the past three decades and cautioned against any development that could threaten their habitat. He argued that even leaving half the site for the penguins would still represent a loss of essential habitat.
The land in question is currently designated for environmental management, and Mr. Stewart indicated that his company would seek a planning scheme amendment should community feedback be favorable.
Local government officials have expressed cautious optimism about the proposals. Burnie Mayor Teeny Brumby referred to Mr. Stewart’s plans as “exciting,” while acknowledging that much work remains, including securing permits and addressing environmental concerns. “The concept plans offer a glimpse into something quite special for our city,” she noted.
Conference Centre Promises Economic Boost
The proposed conference centre in Launceston has generated significant interest. Alina Bain, chief executive of the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, stated that the plans reflect a strong confidence in Tasmania’s future. She noted that the centre could help boost visitor numbers, particularly during the winter months, a time when tourism tends to decline.
Mr. Stewart estimates a total cost of $25 million for the conference centre, with his company committing $10 million to the initiative. Bain highlighted the need for cooperation among all levels of government to bring the project to fruition. “It would be a game-changer for the city, and we know that the figures support this,” she said. She also pointed out that infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to Launceston Airport, would be essential to accommodate the expected increase in visitors.
Residential Developments on the Horizon
In addition to the hotel and conference centre, Mr. Stewart’s plans include residential apartment buildings in Launceston and Burnie, with a particular focus on Hobart. In Hobart, he is proposing the City Scape Towers, which would comprise two five-storey apartment buildings on Campbell Street, estimated to cost $20 million.
Mr. Stewart expressed confidence that demand for housing will increase if a new AFL stadium at Macquarie Point is realized. He likened the potential economic boost to the “MONA effect,” referring to the surge in tourism following the opening of Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art. “When MONA got going, everybody came down and said, ‘We want to go to MONA,'” he explained. “And it rippled through the island.”
Despite the ambitious plans, Mr. Stewart voiced concerns about the current “planning quagmire” in Tasmania, which he believes could hinder development. He remains hopeful that the next government will streamline regulations to facilitate growth and development across the state.
