Proposal
The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pool & Spa (HSTPS) are seeking to lease, for five years with two rights of renewal of five years each, approximately 1000m2 of the Queen Mary Hospital Historic Reserve for use as a picnic area.
In November 2019, HSTPS opened the cascade pools and slide to the public. With the opening being immediately prior to the busiest four months of the year, the HSTPS were concerned that their existing picnic areas would potentially become overcrowded. The HSTPS applied for and were granted a lease for the area identified below for one year. The HSTPS have now identified there is a need going forward for more space for picnicking to accommodate their customers during the summer months. On that basis the HSTPS are applying for a new lease for a longer timeframe.
A commercial lease is anticipated in the reserve management plan so public notification is not required, however, the council understand there is a strong public interest in this reserve and have decided to publically notify the proposed lease to understand the public’s view on the proposal before making a decision.
The area HSTPS are proposing to lease is outlined in red on the aerial photo below.
