New plan commenced for Bagdad-Mangalore Valley
Jensen PLUS Director Michael McKeown recently visited the scenic Bagdad-Mangalore Valley, north of Hobart, to commence a new structure planning project for the area.
Planning objectives include managing future population and housing needs in a peri-urban location, close to the northern Hobart metro area, that is growing in popularity.
At the same time, protecting good quality agricultural land and picturesque landscapes is a high priority for Southern Midlands Council and the community.
Understanding community infrastructure needs, planning for safer road networks, and township amenity are among other project objectives.
“Bagdad-Mangalore has such a beautiful setting with rolling green hills overlooking a flat valley floor of farmland dotted with homes and villages,” says Michael.
“It’s easy to see why people are attracted to this place and the new Bridgewater Bridge currently under construction will make the region that little bit more accessible to Hobart.”
Like many small towns, there’s a lot of community and sporting infrastructure that has built up over time.
“Some of this has scope for renewal as the community grows and changes, and there’s a few visitor attractions too including the Lark whisky distillery complex under redevelopment now.”
This project marks a return to Tasmania for the Jensen PLUS team, following the successful project with Circular Head Council, Co-designing a new vision for Church Street, Stanley.
“It’s great for us to be back working in Tassie after our master plan and consultation in Stanley last year, which was a lot of fun,” adds Michael.
“We’ve had a lot of success with our approach to structure plans recently including in regional locations, and its good to see this recognised.
“We’re looking forward to working more closely with Southern Midlands Council and the communities of Bagdad and Mangalore over the next year.”
The Jensen PLUS team has planned a community engagement series including a co-design workshop in February 2025.
The plan may recommend changes to zoning, or identify future infrastructure upgrades, to be delivered over time. The new Structure Plan is expected to be completed in late 2025.
Read more about the story of Bagdad and Mangalore on the Southern Midlands Council website.
