NSW Developer Plans Motel for Tasmania’s Second City

The developer of several projects in NSW has turned his attention further south, filing plans for a motel in Tasmania’s second city.

A development application for the five-storey motel of 84 keys across 61 rooms is before the Launceston City Council for a site at 76 Cimitiere Street in the city.

NDCO Goulburn Pty Ltd submitted the application for the 1525sq m corner site that is 800m from the town centre, opposite the University of Tasmania’s The Shed facility, and within walking distance of City Park.

The NSW-registered company was incorporated in July of 2023 with Nicolas Daoud as director and secretary, according to ASIC records.

Daoud’s development portfolio includes a partnership with Quest Apartment Hotels for the $20-million Quest Goulburn.

And, along with St Trinity Property, Daoud developed the 317-apartment Crown Wollongong project as well as the $22-million Bathers development at Kiama.

The Crown Wollongong comprised four towers ranging from nine to 15 storeys as well as a number of two-storey terrace homes.

The motel proposal for Launceston was designed by ADM Architects, who also worked with Daoud on the Wollongong, Kiama and Bowral projects.

The motel would comprise 32 studios, 13 one-bedroom units, seven two-bedroom twin-key rooms, a single three-bedroom twin-key unit and four accessible rooms.

The 84 keys across 61 rooms are made possible through twin-key configurations. This allows some apartments to function as two separate accommodation units with independent entrances, but with flexibility to operate as either larger combined units or smaller individual ones.

▲ Crown Wollongong was built on a site owned and developed by Daoud.

The building would rise five storeys and the ground floor would include the main lobby, reception areas, business lounge and conference facilities.

Plans show a “contemporary” facade with stepped sections and inset balconies to minimise visual impact.

Amenities would include a 60sq m gymnasium, guest laundry and a grab-and-go food outlet. External amenities would feature a barbecue area and landscaped courtyard space. There would be 30 on-grade carparking spaces on the site.

The building has been designed to activate the street frontage and blend with existing development on the busy corner of Cimitiere and Lawrence streets, the developer said.

Now under assessment by the Launceston City Council, the project could begin later this year or early next.