City Mission’s plans for a proposed Community Precinct on the corner of Frederick and Wellington Streets have taken a big step forward, with a development application for the project lodged with the City of Launceston.

City Mission Chair Rolph Vos said the Community Precinct will transform the way people access support in Launceston.

“By bringing 48 new housing units, a purpose-built health clinic and a hub of services together under one roof, we can deliver better housing, health and community support outcomes for people experiencing disadvantage,“ Mr Vos said.

Amid growing demand for housing and relief services, City Mission CEO Dr Jo Fearman said the development represented a vital step towards long-term solutions.

“This year more than 2,500 people have sought food and financial relief through City Mission - 500 of those experiencing homelessness, with Launceston’s rental vacancy rate below 0.5%.

“This development is about giving more people a safe home, improving health and wellbeing, and creating a stronger, more connected community,” Dr Fearman said.

The project has received support from State and Federal Governments with $11 million from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program and $8 million from Homes Tasmania.

While this funding will help construct the building, community support is essential to bring the vision of the Precinct to life.

Dr Fearman said community contributions will help to deliver welcoming public spaces, specialist resources, and ongoing wraparound services - ensuring the Precinct becomes a genuinely life-changing place for people rebuilding their lives.

“Government investment lays the foundations, but our community will make it a home. We cannot do this alone - community support is vital to ensure vulnerable Tasmanians have access to housing, dignity and hope.”

The building will be delivered by a group of local organisations including Commercial Project Delivery, Philp Lighton Architects, Vos Constructions and Loreto Community Housing. This collaborative, open-book Early Contractor Involvement approach draws on the specialist expertise of the project team to drive cost efficiencies, strengthen pricing transparency and enhance overall project quality.

The project will deliver significant economic and social benefits for Northern Tasmania. Construction will create 56 direct local jobs annually, generate $19 million in value, and support 142 local jobs during the 18-month build.

Mr Vos said City Mission has been helping Tasmanians for more than 170 years and the proposed Precinct represents a proactive step in shaping Launceston’s city heart for the future.

“Once operational, it will sustain around 118 ongoing jobs and deliver long-term savings by reducing reliance on crisis and health services,” he said.

Dr Fearman said the project had been shaped through extensive consultation with the community and key partners.

“The Precinct has been a cornerstone of our vision for Frederick St for many years, and we’ve collaborated closely with neighbours, service partners, government, staff and community organisations throughout project development.

Homes Tasmania CEO Eleri Morgan-Thomas said Homes Tasmania welcomes all efforts to increase the supply of social and affordable housing.

“The community precinct is a unique model bringing medium-density housing and support services together in a well-located site,” Ms Morgan-Thomas said.

“We look forward to working with Launceston City Mission on this important project that will provide more homes and support for Tasmanians.”

Federal Member for Bass Jess Teesdale said the Precinct project represents a powerful investment in the future of Launceston, reinforcing City Mission’s long-standing role in supporting vulnerable Tasmanians and delivering lasting, community-led change.

“City Mission has been supporting Tasmanians for generations, and now, with the help of this federal investment, they’re creating a precinct that will transform lives and reshape our city for the better,” Ms Teesdale said.

“This project shows what’s possible when governments invest in community-led solutions. It’s not just a building - it’s a chance for people to start again, with the support they need to thrive.”

Tasmanian Minister for Housing and Planning, Kerry Vincent, said City Mission’s planned development will provide a purpose-built facility, offering a full range of supports onsite.

“This type of wraparound service delivers greater outcomes for our most vulnerable Tasmanians, and I want to congratulate Launceston City Mission on this important milestone,” Minister Vincent said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing this build come alive, because it will change the lives of our fellow Tasmanians for the better.”

Project at a glance:

Provide 48 new units of affordable, independent living accommodation.
Include a nurse-practitioner-led health clinic, supported by volunteers and pro-bono clinicians.
Create a hub of co-located services, making it easier to navigate support and avoid service gaps.
Feature welcoming public spaces, retail and a café to encourage dignity and inclusion.
Expand City Mission’s capacity to support more than 500 people each week.

A Model Built on Collaboration and Community Needs

The central location will make it easier for people to access integrated housing, health care and social support in one place. The model is simple: one welcoming hub where people can find safety, stability and connection - without navigating multiple agencies.

The Precinct will also feature innovation and training spaces where service providers, government and partners can collaborate and design new approaches to community needs.

Alignment with Regional Strategies

The project aligns with the Launceston Housing Plan (2025–2040), Launceston City Deal (2017–2027) and City Heart Project, all of which prioritise in-fill housing and adaptive reuse of heritage sites.

The Northern Tasmania Development Corporation (NTDC) lists the Launceston Community Precinct as a Regional Priority Project, recognising its importance for social outcomes and community resilience.

Sustainable and Inclusive Design

The Precinct is designed to be sustainable, inclusive and respectful of place, integrating sensitively with Launceston’s heritage and surroundings. Guided by trauma-informed and biophilic design principles, it will provide universal access, step-free entry, lifts and community spaces that foster connection and belonging.