St John’S Park Could be the Saviour

In the midst of a housing crisis, we really need big thinking and big plans if we have any chance of combatting significant issues facing Hobart associated with a fundamental lack of housing. As the tier of government with the most at stake we need the State Government to step up and identify parcels of land that are suitable for redevelopment and move swiftly to rezone and redevelop.

St Johns Park, New Town, is one such parcel of land. A 10 acre site, steeped in history, St Johns sits on a major transport corridor and is walking distance to schools, shops, hospitals and parkland. It also abuts the Newtown sports precinct, a Hobart City Council owned and managed site that is slated for $20 million investment despite the design report noting significant challenges associated with the constrained nature of the site.

Over the years in this newspaper, we have seen a multitude of complaints about quality of State infrastructure at St Johns Park, from staff complaints about derelict buildings to patient complaints about the condition of the dialysis centre. No matter how you look at it, St Johns is a strategic site for the City of Hobart and it is well overdue for a holistic masterplan.

Imagine having a large site, situated within 3km of a capital city, sitting underutilised in the midst of a housing and health crisis and not acting to investigate better utilisation for future generations. This is where we find ourselves in 2023. What could we achieve with a big vision?

My vision for St John’s is for a mixed use site, that is designed to build a community. Buildings that are close to Main Rd would be state offices, DPIPWE labs and Health facilities built in modern buildings with underground parking, directly accessible off New Town Road.

Beautiful existing heritage buildings would be restored to their former glory and repurposed for modern community use such as cafes, galleries and a library. Interpretation signs could be included to tell the story of the Kings Orphanage, Tuberculosis Sanatoriums and historic watch houses.

At the centre of the precinct, modern sporting facilities would be built in a way that provides surrounding open green space for the community to enjoy while sports are played. Playing surfaces would be used by the community for ball games, picnicking and relaxing when there is no game on. A modern state of the art Netball facility would be a key part of the complex with opportunities for indoor cricket and futsal. Sitting alongside would be a revamped Newtown Oval with modern facilities surrounded by trees. A kids playground and barbecue facilities would be nearby, enabling families to make a day of their children’s various sporting commitments.

Architectural medium density residential living could be built on land gained from a consolidated state service complex. A combination of 4-6 story apartment buildings, would sit alongside townhouses. Providing a range of living opportunities including studio apartments right through to four bedroom townhouses. Some could be linked to the existing aged care centre to provide transitional living while retaining important social connections. Residential buildings could be separated by lawn bowls, croquet and petanque. 

Building significant housing on this site, is the key to its success. A Variety of medium density housing would enable multigenerational families to live, work and play in the same area. The kids go to school at Lenah Valley Primary or Hobart College, Grandpa is at the aged care home and mum and dad work in the state office buildings, walk to Calvary or catch the bus a short distance into town for work. Residents can walk to New Town for most of their shopping needs and increased population within walking distance will only strengthen the Moonah Shopping strip, which is booming.

Whatever the vision, St Johns Park needs a masterplan. We cannot continue to throw good money at a patchwork site without taking a holistic view of its past history, present needs and future opportunities. Lets get serious about addressing the housing crisis with practical project planning that meets the communities future needs. 

Ryan Posselt is a Hobart City Councillor