Kingborough Council’s vision for a sustainable local economy is a step closer following the approval of the main road into the Kingston Park development.
This is a significant step in the development of Kingston Park, which will assist in developing Kingston’s future self-reliance, stimulating the local economy to create more opportunities for local residents and further reducing the municipality’s reliance on Hobart.
Kingborough’s population continues to expand and the municipality is clearly a favoured place for families to live and grow. However, currently 60% of Kingborough’s residents travel north to Hobart for work. Encouraging new businesses and organisations to decentralise from the capital city will aid in the reduction of traffic congestion and offer local services for the community.
The Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Steve Wass is looking forward to stimulating the local economy, “There is a need for a concerted regional planning effort to focus on decentralised economic development, infrastructure investment and land use”, he said. “Council looks to work with other greater Hobart councils to support co-ordinated action, resulting in greater expansion and productivity for the surrounding municipalities.”
Placemaking is also an important element in the revitalisation of central Kingston, which is creating public spaces that promote health, connectivity and well-being. The proposed community hub in Kingston Park will encourage both community and economic activity, which will in turn support local initiatives and build community capacity.
A development application has been submitted for the hub, which includes a co-working space, exhibition hall and café. Expressions of interest are invited from both commercial and not-for-profit organisations for the operation of the café.
Council is open to a broad range of proposals, and submissions that are centred on a social based enterprise model are particularly encouraged. The full details for the expressions of interest can be found on Council’s website and will close on Monday 1 May.
The hub will recycle the former Kingston High School gym and will sit near to the State Government’s new health centre, for which designs are now being finalised. A new Kingston Park and CBD Precinct plan is available for viewing on Council’s website and at the Civic Centre. Construction of the road that will enable these developments to occur will begin later this year. Updates and information on Kingston Park will be published on Council’s website and social media channels.