A new development appli­cation has been lodged for a mixed-use industrial project on Cove Hill Road by the Young Group.

The site has been designed to change how industrial areas are perceived. The Young Group say they are aiming to bring manufacturing back to Tasmania with a strong focus on local makers, advanced manufacturing, along with ar­eas for science and technology. “We want to create an atmo­sphere which focuses on mak­ing and creating something here in Tasmania and give those makers the opportunity to sell direct from their door,” a representative shared.

The Point.B project is pro­posed to be delivered in stages, with stage one focusing on light industrial and creating the basis for the activity on site. Artisan makers and man­ufacturers who embrace inno­vation and creativity are cur­rently being sought to discuss opportunities with the Young Group. Job creation across the site is aggressively aiming to create more than 600+ jobs once fully operational.

The Young Group are work­ing closely with local groups including Southcentral Work­force Network – Jobs Hub, to connect with locals for a variety of opportunities. The Young Group have confirmed their intention is to create a destination for locals; not only to work, but to be welcome on site to explore and enjoy. Later stages of the project state they will be including provision to accommodate a distillery, brewery, places to exercise, eat and socialise.

There is a strong focus on ensuring the project provides a positive place for locals on many levels through employ­ment, training, social, sport­ing, and recreational activities. Construction activity is a significant driver in our econ­omy, with expected economic benefits from this project both during construction and post completion in the order of $172m to the surrounding areas.

This is a large scale project for Tasmania and there are few examples nationally which include this mix of use and vision within the industrial sector. The project is attracting great support from a variety of sectors both public and private due to its community focus.

The project is no small under­taking with construction costs estimated to be in the order of $60m.