Devonport City Council is progressing the next stage of its long-term LIVING CITY transformation, with a plan that creates two strategic development opportunities in the heart of the CBD. The exciting plan includes a new commercial building with office and retail offerings along with a high-end multi-level residential apartment complex above multi-level public carparking.
Designed to reshape the vehicle dominated area near the existing cinema complex into a vibrant and people focused precinct, with strong connections into the existing retail areas, the plan will create quality public space to complement the CBD and broader LIVING CITY investments.
The Mayor of Devonport, Cr Alison Jarman, said this next stage of LIVING CITY builds directly on the strategy that has shaped Devonport since 2013.
"Over more than a decade, LIVING CITY has delivered the paranaple centre, transformed our waterfront, and helped drive private-sector momentum across the CBD. Releasing this plan for what is really the traditional heart of our CBD is the next logical step in creating a connected, activated and future focused city centre."
The core purpose of the LIVING CITY Master Plan has been to reinvigorate Devonport CBD and the role the City plays as the main service centre to the 70,000 residents of the broader region.
This next stage supports LIVING CITY's long-term objectives, including:
• Strengthening the connection between the city and the Mersey River
• Creating vibrant civic and commercial destinations
• Stimulating private investment
• Strengthening pedestrian networks and public spaces
Dubbed the Formby Road Urban Renewal Study this most recent work by Council outlines a concept plan to further deliver on the LIVING CITY vision, anchored by:
• Major new infill mixed-use development, including the potential to support a substantial new office space and commercial development, along with residential opportunities aligned to long-term growth needs of the City.
• A new urban plaza, creating an interface for the new development parcels with key connections into the established CBD retail and services precincts, and providing a social meeting space for the community and visitors to the City.
• Future Activation opportunities, by supporting the transformation of existing "back-of-house" areas to address the newly activated precinct, improving safety and strengthening intuitive wayfinding within the CBD.
Identified in the Formby Road Urban Renewal Study as Parcel A and Parcel B, are the two opportunities Council have identified for private investment. The land parcels are located within the heart of the city centre, and connect the Rooke Street Mall, Stewart and Best Streets, and Formby Road and represent some of the most significant inner-city development opportunities within the LIVING CITY plan.
Capacity analysis undertaken by Council shows the two parcels can support:
• Parcel A: 5,500-6,500m² GFA (basement level car parking with 4+ levels of office and complimentary commercial development above)
• Parcel B: 6,000-7,000 m² GFA (2-3 levels of public parking capacity with 4+ levels of residential accommodation above)
The Mall and nearby retailers are expected to benefit significantly from the increased foot traffic generated by the new developments and the improved public amenity.
"With new residential apartments and office space, the whole vibrancy of the area will change, from what is currently a fairly tired back-of-house carparking area into an attractive space with new public amenities and direct links through the Arcades to the existing shopping areas. CBD retailers will see a real boost in daily activity and importantly public carparking will be retained within the precinct," said Mayor Jarman.
The plan aims to capture the growing demand for quality high-end apartments in Devonport, further expanding a move towards increased inner-city living.
"With uninterrupted views to the mouth of the Mersey River, the site provides one of the few opportunities for high end CBD apartments with waterfront views. I've got no doubt they will attract a lot of interest, particularly given the growing demand for real estate in the region" said Mayor Jarman.
Council does not intend to fund or develop the two strategic land parcels within the plan but rather is seeking private investment and is keen to talk with developers and tenants who may wish to get involved.
The current Council has continued to focus on the growth and development of Devonport and is committed to maintaining the positive momentum LIVING CITY has generated over the past decade. The Council unanimously endorsed a Notice of Motion from Deputy Mayor, Cr Stacey Sheehan last year, focussed on the reinvigoration of this important CBD site and have included several related actions within its adopted 2025/26 Annual Plan.
Council Officers will be engaging with local business operators and property owners to provide specific information in relation to the precinct analysis undertaken to date, expected development outcomes, further stages of planning and design investigation to be undertaken, and capture initial feedback and input into the plan.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why these two development parcels?
They sit in the most strategically important block in the CBD, between the Mall and Formby Road. The area is currently dominated by surface parking and "back-of-house" service areas for established businesses, but the study shows it can be transformed into a high value, mixed use precinct with strong pedestrian connections and a new public plaza.
2. Will car parking be lost?
No, Council recognises the importance of providing convenient, off-street parking for the general public within the CBD. It is proposed that both development parcels will retain public parking.
3. How will pedestrian and vehicle access work?
An important objective of the proposal is to provide enhanced safety of movement for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Primary vehicle access will remain from Formby Road, and internal vehicle movement consolidated. Enhanced pedestrian priority areas will be created via the proposed plaza area, linking to the Rooke Street Mall and Stewart Street via established shopping Mall connections.
4. What types of development are expected?
The capacity testing of the development parcels, along with analysis of existing and future demand indicates potential for:
• High-quality office tenancies within the heart of the CBD, complementing established adjacent retail, hospitality, and services businesses.
• Residential apartment development, supporting medium density residential living, with views to the Mersey River, and close connections to the foreshore recreation trail network.
• Contemporary public spaces and infrastructure, and a clearer delineation between vehicle movement and access, and pedestrian zones.
5. Is this consistent with planning controls for the City?
Yes. The concept respects existing use and development controls, and supports the planning scheme's goals for CBD activation, improved public realm and development intensification in key areas.
6. How does this relate to other LIVING CITY stages?
It directly aligns with Stage 3's focus on CBD activation and private sector momentum, supporting a decadelong strategy to revitalise the city centre.
7. What is the timing?
The release of the Formby Road Urban Renewal Study is only the first step of a long journey. Securing the necessary private investment is the next step, then Council will engage with the developer to progress the design and approval process. This will likely take several years before any actual construction activity begins on site.
8. Will the Community have a say?
Yes, any developments that are proposed will need to follow all the normal approvals and planning processes and will be subject to public scrutiny.
