Contentious hotel development approved for Hobart's eastern shore

A contentious hotel project that has angered community members and divided the local council has been given the green light by Tasmania's planning commission.

Chinese developer Chambroad wants to build the 155-room Kangaroo Bay Hotel at Bellerive on Hobart's eastern shore.

The $65 million project will include accommodation, as well as a range of restaurants and bars, a wellness centre, meeting and function facilities, and new pedestrian and cycleways.

"Our iconic 5-star hotel at Kangaroo Bay will activate the bay and bring jobs and significant economic development to the local area," the company's website says.

The project was officially declared a major project by the Tasmanian government on October 16, 2024, which meant the proposal needed to be assessed by an independent expert panel appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

Chambroad project director, Greg Hudson, said the hotel is designed to become a premier tourism and hospitality destination.

"This landmark development will deliver a world-class waterfront destination featuring a 155-room hotel, restaurants, bars, function facilities and publicly accessible open space," he said.

"It will improve foreshore connections from Rosny to Bellerive Village, further strengthening greater Hobart's premium tourism and hospitality offering."

'Extraordinarily disappointing', says mayoral candidate

Brendan Blomeley, who is running for re-election as Clarence City Council mayor, said Chambroad and the state government have "flagrantly disregarded the views and many voices of the Clarence community".

"It has been extraordinarily disappointing to see this whole saga play out," he said.

"Of course I want hotels in our city, I want a vibrant hospitality and tourism sector and I am strongly supportive of growth in our city, however, this must be done in an open and transparent manner."

Mr Blomeley said the council remains committed to buying the Kangaroo Bay land back.

"Under the contract with Chambroad, the City of Clarence has a right to buy the land back on behalf of our community and that is what we are currently in the Supreme Court to do," he said.

Mr Hudson said Chambroad Australia has called on the soon-to-be-elected Clarence City councillors to reconsider their litigation by attempting to buy back the land.

"We invite the new councillors to sit down and enter into a constructive dialogue to resolve their litigation and clear the way for construction to commence," he said.

Developers at Chambroad have been trying to get the five-star hotel off the ground since purchasing the land for $2.44 million in 2017.