The City of Hobart is looking to invite businesses to express their interest in establishing and operating a private sauna at Long Beach, Sandy Bay.
This initiative aims to provide beachgoers with a unique, low-impact health and wellbeing experience that complements the natural surroundings.
The sauna would be privately operated and run between April and October (inclusive), with the infrastructure removed outside this period.
This opportunity follows numerous business requests to operate a sauna on council land and the demonstrated success of similar experiences across Tasmania.
After a comprehensive site review, Long Beach was identified as the only suitable location within the local government area.
The expression of interest (EOI) process is expected to run in March and April, with the highest scoring applicant to be selected as the preferred operator.
The proposed sauna will be set up on a vacant, grassed area of public open space next to Long Beach in Sandy Bay.
The City conducted a thorough review of potential sites, assessing factors such as location, beach access, accessibility, park values, nearby facilities, and title restrictions.
Long Beach was the only site that met all necessary criteria.
The proposed operational period is from April to October (inclusive), with the infrastructure removed from the site outside this period.
The grassed area near Long Beach will remain accessible to the public while the sauna is in operation.
The business will not be allocated any specific parking spaces, however there are several public car parks nearby and this project is not expected to have a significant impact on parking availability.
The operator would require a planning permit for the site, which would include any relevant traffic management requirements.
Saunas offer a low-impact health and wellbeing experience that enhances the natural beach setting.
Similar businesses in other parts of Tasmania have been highly popular, and the City has received multiple requests for a local sauna.
The project would align with the Capital City Strategic Plan 2023, by providing a unique economic opportunity and attractive destination that activates open spaces and connects people to nature.
The private operator of the sauna business will determine the cost to use the service.
Applicants will be encouraged to provide additional community benefit in their EOI applications.
The application period will open after public feedback is reviewed.
Currently, it is expected to open in late March or early April.
Once the EOI process opens, applicants can access an EOI document detailing the required criteria and submission instructions.
The initial license will be for 12 months, with the option to extend for a further two years, subject to CEO approval. A project review will then assess its long-term viability.