Errol Stewart set to publicly reveal C.H. Smith site plans

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PolicyAbout usView Subscription OffersThe Examiner's complete view of propertyHome/News/Local NewsErrol Stewart set to publicly reveal C.H. Smith site plans By Melissa MobbsUpdated November

22 2016 - 2:32pm, first published 2:00pmBy Melissa MobbsUpdated November 22 2016 - 2:32pm, first published 2:00pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyBIG PLANS: Launceston developer Errol Stewart

will share his vision for the old C.H. Smith site. Picture: Paul Scambler Launceston residents are less than a week away from learning the plans for the old C.H. Smith complex which has sat

vacant for more than 20 years.

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50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue Businessman Errol

Stewart and ARTAS Architects principal Scott Curran purchased the derelict site and will reveal their development proposal to the public on Monday.

In August, Mr Stewart told The Examiner the historic complex had potential.

Less than three months later and his vision for the site could be achieved within 18 months.

Not willing to reveal any plans before his next meeting with the City of Launceston, Mr Stewart said he could confirm it would not be a “massive development” and would protect the heritage

values of the site.

“It’s not a $50 million gig … it's still a big development, it’s still plenty of money but I think its sustainable,” he said.

“I think we can build it, find the appropriate tenants and I think the lenders will be comfortable.”

While Mr Stewart has not been given an official “tick of approval”, he said he had received nothing but positive feedback from Heritage Tasmania and the City of Launceston as well as the

Heritage Protection Society of Tasmania who he met with on Tuesday.

“It’s really important I tick all of those boxes before it is put into the public domain,” Mr Stewart said.

“The public sometimes believe it’s either the heritage council or city council that don’t want a development … but they are all wanting to get this development up but are just asking that we

preserve the heritage structures and I don’t think that’s unreasonable at all.”

‘Positive’ development The Heritage Protection Society of Tasmania president Lionel Morrell said it was a “positive step forward” for the site.

“Everybody, myself included, would like to see the site developed and we are certainly pleased to have been consulted and are more than willing to work with [Errol],” he said.

“There are still some detailed matters to sort out with regard to the heritage structures … but these are not points that would destroy the project by any means.

“We are really looking forward to further dialogue.”

Mr Morrell said the development proposed by Mr Stewart was better suited to Launceston’s landscape than previous plans.

“Some of the problems in the past have been where the developers or owners were just aiming too high,” he said.

“Past developers have just never had the finances and looked to achieve too much. This development isn’t some huge building with sky bridges. This is much more affordable.”

If Mr Stewart receives his “official tick” from the council on Monday he said he would then lodge a development application and await public feedback.

Errol Stewart set to publicly reveal C.H. Smith site plans

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