TASMANIA’S STRATEGIC GROWTH DESTINATION

Brighton is one of Tasmania’s most dynamic and forward-focused municipalities – positioned just 25 minutes north of Hobart in the heart of Greater Hobart’s northern growth corridor.

Home to the region’s premier freight and logistics precinct, the Brighton Hub offers seamless access to both road and rail networks. This infrastructure advantage is complemented by major public and private investment across transport, education, housing and recreation – actively reshaping the municipality and reinforcing Brighton’s role as a driver of regional prosperity.

Brighton is fast emerging as southern Tasmania’s destination of choice for investment, innovation and opportunity. Explore the key forces behind its transformation and discover why it’s leading the next chapter of growth in Greater Hobart.

 

STRATEGIC LOCATION & INFRASTRUCTURE ADVANTAGE

Brighton sits 25 minutes north of Hobart CBD in one of Greater Hobart’s key growth corridors. It hosts southern Tasmania’s primary freight and industrial precinct – the Brighton Hub – with direct access to road and rail infrastructure. Major investments in transport, education, housing and recreation are reshaping the municipality for long-term prosperity.

 

POPULATION GROWTH & DEMOGRAPHIC STRENGTH

Brighton leads Tasmania in proportional population growth, with a 21% increase since 2016 and a projected 1% annual growth over the next 30 years. It is the youngest LGA in the state (median age 35), with over 20,500 residents and planned expansion in Tivoli Green Estate, South Brighton, and the Bridgewater/Boyer Road precinct. Infill development and densification are encouraged within existing residential zones, particularly in Brighton township.

 

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY & EMPLOYMENT GROWTH

Brighton’s economy generates $822 million in Gross Regional Product (2023), up 30.7% year-on-year. Employment grew 58% between 2011 and 2021, led by retail, healthcare, education and construction. The transport, postal, and warehousing sector is the largest employer, with 121% growth and over 590 jobs – underscoring Brighton’s industrial momentum.

 

INDUSTRIAL & LOGISTICS OPPORTUNITIES: THE BRIGHTON HUB

The Brighton Hub is Tasmania’s premier intermodal logistics precinct, supporting freight, warehousing, advanced manufacturing, and circular economy initiatives, With major tenants like Toll and SRT, and industrial land ready for development, the Hub offers seamless road-rail-port connectivity and proximity to Hobart. It also hosts a successful whiskey distillery, showcasing diverse industrial uses. Council is actively investing in enhancing the Hub’s environment for workers, visitors and investors.

 

RETAIL, COMMERCIAL & OFFICE SPACE DEMAND

Brighton experiences significant escape spending in retail – over $25 million annually – particularly from suburbs like Old Beach. The Brighton Activity Centre Strategy (BACS) identifies unmet demand for commercial floorspace and recommends new centres in Boyer Road and Tivoli Green, alongside the revitalisation of Old Main Road and the elevation of Brighton (suburb) to a ‘Major Activity Centre’. These recommendations respond to retail and commercial demand generated by residential growth in nearby precincts. Office space demand already exceeds supply, with Brighton and Bridgewater identified as priority locations for future commercial development.

 

BRIDGEWATER WATERFRONT & TOURISM POTENTIAL

The Bridgewater Waterfront Masterplan envisions a vibrant, mixed-use precinct that transforms the Old Main Road area into a pedestrian-friendly, high street destination. The plan supports medium-high density residential development, a commercial high street, and enhanced public access to the river’s edge. It also proposes rezoning underutilised land to unlock new opportunities for community services, open space and tourism infrastructure. Pontville and Tea Tree complement this vision, offering boutique accommodation and heritage-based tourism linked to the Coal River Valley wine region.

 

SUPPORTIVE GOVERNANCE & INVESTMENT CLIMATE

Brighton Council offers some of the lowest rates in Tasmania, including for industrial land, and actively supports business growth. Recent investments include the Bridgewater Bridge, Brighton High School, and IGA redevelopment. Strategic documents such as the Brighton Activity Centre Strategy (BACS), South Brighton Master Plan and Bridgewater Waterfront Master Plan guide future development and investment facilitation.

 

KEY REASONS TO INVEST IN BRIGHTON

• Strategic location within one of Greater Hobart’s key growth corridors
• Regionally significant industrial and logistics infrastructure
• Tasmania’s fastest-growing population base
• Youngest and most dynamic workforce
• Supportive local council policies and low rates
• Proven demand for commercial, retail and industrial development
• Strong pipeline of public and private investment
• Clear planning frameworks and precinct strategies to guide growth