Sorell East Growth Area
The Sorell East Growth Area (‘Growth Area’) is a 160 hectare area of land on the south-east side of the bypass. The Growth Area is an important and well-contemplated strategic component of Council and State Government aims to increase housing supply for our community that is accessible, affordable, and timely.
The area is to become a dynamic community of new homes, open space, coastal walkway, a school and other local amenities.
Federal Funding
The Tasmanian Government and Australian Government have secured funding for enabling infrastructure for the Growth Area. Enabling infrastructure includes sewerage pump stations, road access and electricity transmission.
The funding is to enable housing for First Home Buyers with a portion of new housing to be reserved and made available for First Home Buyers.
Where it began
In 2019 the Sorell Land Supply Strategy considered options for future residential, industrial and commercial land use across the LGA. This work identified the opportunity for a mixed use precinct on the south-east side of the bypass to cater for ongoing demand for housing, a K-12 school, commercial and industrial land uses.
Why it is needed
Housing to accommodate high rates of population growth have used much of the remaining land zoned for residential development. For the past 20 years the rate of population growth in Sorell has been higher than any other Tasmanian local government area.
What has been done to date?
Council has worked with infrastructure providers to increase awareness of housing growth in Sorell and the need to plan for expansion. This has enabled infrastructure providers to incorporate the Growth Area in their own infrastructure planning and funding work.
The bypass construction included a lowered section to allow for a future overpass connecting Sorell East with the town. This overpass and the roundabout will provide vehicle and active transport connections to the site.
In 2025 the area was added to the urban growth boundary for Greater Hobart.
How will the area be developed?
Future master planning will detail exactly how the area will develop. We know that the area will:
- Include a mix of housing densities and at least 1400 new dwellings
- Include in the future a K-12 school on land owned by the Archdiocese of Hobart
- Provide open space areas
- Provide a coastal trail
- Provide vehicle and active transport links to the town centre and bypass
- Opportunities for local business primarily catering for the needs of new residents
Who will develop the area?
Before land subdivision and housing can occur, Council will coordinate a detailed master plan and infrastructure strategy. A master plan is necessary to coordinate land use and infrastructure across the area. The master plan will be finalised prior to any rezoning proposals being considered.
What about Industrial and Commercial land for jobs and services?
The Inghams facility at 82 Main Road, Sorell has been identified for future industrial development. The land is proposed to be included in a new urban growth boundary for Greater Hobart as part of the new regional land use strategy for Southern Tasmania. The Ingham facility occupies a large lot for wastewater irrigation. Inghams, the EPA, Council and TasWater are working on options to improve the treatment of wastewater on the site and to discharge wastewater to the Penna Reuse Scheme. Once this occurs, the land will be available for rezoning and development and is well suited to industrial land uses due to its position adjoining the existing industrial precinct and the existing Inghams facility.
There is a current proposal to rezone additional General Business Zone land at 3 Weston Hill Road, 5 Cole Street and 2 Pawleena Road. This is important to provide additional commercial land for population growth in the town and across the south-east region.
The South East Growth Area may include a small area of local business zoning catering for uses such as a hairdresser, café or childcare and primarily serving the needs of residents in the Growth Area. The existing retail centre will remain the focus point for retail and services in the town.
How will the area be accessed?
There are two road connection points: one at the bypass roundabout and a second by a future road overpass across the bypass. No other direct connections to the bypass are allowed.
The overpass will include a shared pathway for pedestrians, cycling and scooters.
Walkability in the new area
The majority of the Growth Area is contained within a 500m radius from its centre whilst also being close to the existing Sorell town centre. Building a strong active transport network within the Growth Area that integrates into the town will be a key aim.
Next Steps
Council will shortly commence work on the master plan for the Growth Area. This will be a 12-18 month process with several opportunities for community input and consultation. Once the master plan is finalised Council will initiate a planning scheme amendment which once approved, will allow the infrastructure and subdivision construction to commence.
Links
Message from the Mayor – Sorell Council
Thousands of new homes for Tasmanian first home buyers | Treasury Ministers