The owners of New Town property Lauderdale Cottage, Ben Hutchinson and Vicki McKenzie are wanting to re-connect the property with its agricultural history by restoring the orchard and reintroducing market gardens. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS
THE owners of a historic New Town property have revealed their grand plans to breathe new life into site, including a cafe, cabins, restoration of an orchard and establishment of market gardens.
The Lauderdale Cottage Farm property, on 2.41ha on Risdon Rd, has been subject to several failed development proposals in recent decades, including a retirement village, and a multi-unit development.
But current owners Ben Hutchinson and partner Vicki McKenzie say their proposal is “sympathetic” to the site’s rich history, and have released plans to gauge public opinion.
They bought the heritage-listed property in 2017 for $2.1 million, where they live in the cottage itself, which was built in the 1840s.
The owners of New Town property Lauderdale Cottage, Ben Hutchinson and Vicki McKenzie, are wanting to reconnect the property to its agricultural history by restoring the orchard and reintroducing market gardens. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS.
After moving from Queensland, they initially wanted to develop the site into a caravan park, but abandoned those plans as they said it was not suitable for the property.
Mr Hutchinson said the site had important associations with early British settlement, being part of Tasmania’s first land grant in 1804 and is Australia’s last surviving maritime villa complete with gardens.
Lauderdale Cottage. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS
He said the property, which borders the New Town rivulet, represented 216 years of agricultural activity and retained historical integrity with many trees dating back to inception.
Mr Hutchinson said market gardens would be reinstated and an agrarian cafe built within the confines of the orchard without changing the traditional layout.
He said the build would use CLTP Tasmania’s cross-laminated hardwood panel and beam system using sustainable eucalyptus hardwood.
“The development represents a significant investment and will provide immediate and long-term jobs in the area,” he said.
“It will attract both locals and tourists with an offering of Tasmania’s best produce in a historic agrarian setting.
“While close to Hobart’s centre, it will become a new tourist destination away from the usual haunts.”
An artist’s rendering of the proposed development at the New Town property Lauderdale Cottage.
Mr Hutchinson said the two-stage development would provide a “tangible connection” for locals and visitors to the property’s history.
He also said the new facilities would be able to host occasions such as weddings and wakes.
The project would need Hobart City Council approval, including a change of use from residential to commercial.
A rendering of a proposed development at the New Town property Lauderdale Cottage.
A Heritage Tasmania spokeswoman said the proposal involved development that would require the approval of the Tasmanian Heritage Council.
“Heritage Tasmania understands the current proposal seeks to protect the cultural heritage significance of the place while providing new uses that can make the place financially viable,” she said.
The owners of New Town property Lauderdale Cottage, Ben Hutchinson and Vicki McKenzie are wanting to re-connect the property with its agricultural history by restoring the orchard and reintroducing market gardens. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS
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