City Mission has welcomed the City of Launceston’s decision to approve the Development Application for the Launceston Community Precinct at the corner of Frederick and Wellington Streets - a major milestone that provides certainty to progress the project into detailed delivery planning.

The approved development will bring together 48 new housing units, a purpose-built health clinic and a hub of co-located services designed to make support easier to access and better coordinated - strengthening housing, health and connection for people experiencing hardship.

City Mission Chair Rolph Vos said the approval marked a significant step forward for Launceston at a time of rising housing pressure and growing demand for support.

“We welcome the City of Launceston’s approval. We’re grateful for the careful consideration of the application and for the decision that allows us to move forward with confidence into the next phase,” Mr Vos said.

“This is about creating a well-managed, welcoming place where people can access housing, health care and support in a way that restores dignity and improves outcomes - while also being a responsible neighbour and a positive development for Launceston.”

City Mission CEO Dr Jo Fearman said the approval comes at a time of rising demand for relief and support services and extreme housing pressure across the region.

“Last year more than 2,500 people have sought food and financial relief through City Mission - including 500 people experiencing homelessness,” Dr Fearman said.

“We’re delighted to receive development approval from the City of Launceston. It’s a major step forward, and we’re sincerely grateful to everyone who has contributed to the work so far - our neighbours, partners, supporters and funders - as we build something that will strengthen housing, health and connection for the Launceston commnity.”

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

Dr Fearman said government investment provides the essential backing, but community support remains vital to ensure the Precinct becomes the welcoming, trauma-informed centre it is designed to be.

“Government investment lays the foundations - but our community will make it a home,” she said.

“Community support will help deliver the public spaces, specialist resources and wraparound supports that make this more than a building. It will be a place where people can rebuild their lives with safety, stability and hope.”

Mr Vos also thanked the project partners and supporters who have helped progress the Precinct to this milestone.

“This approval reflects years of careful planning and collaboration. We want to acknowledge the commitment of our project partners and the many stakeholders who have engaged constructively throughout the process,” he said.

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.