The Tasmanian Government has launched a series of key development projects to revive and rejuvenate the Hobart waterfront.

The objective is to build on the international reputation of Sullivans Cove as a stunning deep-water port and create the most people-friendly waterfront in the world.

As a sign of confidence in the future of the waterfront, the Tasmanian Government has kick-started eight major projects along the water’s edge.

While each of these is significant in its own right, taken together they represent a major strategic investment in the future of Sullivans Cove.

Major waterfront development projects seeded by the Tasmanian Government include:

Hobart Railyards – This is the Tasmanian Government’s preferred location for a new public hospital. A major institutional project, such as a hospital, has the potential to underpin substantial redevelopment of this portion of the Hobart waterfront and the vision is for a new neighbourhood to emerge from this former industrial area. To date, the work shows a hospital can co-exist with the working port. Further details on urban design and strategic planning for the site: http://www.waterfront.tas.gov.au/our_priorities/railyards.htm
Further details on the New Royal Project: http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/futurehealth/newroyal/index.php

Parliament Square – While some buildings that make up Parliament Square are used as government offices, major sections of the site are empty and ready for immediate development. A tender process to select a preferred developer has commenced.
Further Details: http://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/domino/dtf/dtf.nsf/ea615aa87e46ec90ca256fc60074aab3/6c19f5862bf39e31ca2573e100001271?OpenDocument

Princes Wharf –There is an opportunity for creating year-round activity and a great public space within the Princes Wharf No 1 Shed and its surrounding area.  Despite its stunning waterfront location, the existing shed is underused for much of the year. Construction could start within two years.
Further details: http://www.waterfront.tas.gov.au/our_priorities/happening_now.htm#princes

Brooke St Ferry Pier – The existing Brooke Street pier is to be redeveloped into a new home for Hobart’s ferries. A preferred tenderer will be announced soon.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery – The Tasmanian Government has provided $30 million for redevelopment of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. This project will transform the visitor experience and create a benchmark for museums across Australia and overseas. It will lead to significant changes to Dunn Place and the current use as a car park.
Further details: http://www.tmag.tas.gov.au/redevelopment/background.html

The Docks and Franklin Wharf – The area around Constitution and Victoria docks is one of the most important public spaces in Sullivans Cove. This area will be improved as a shared space by reducing clutter, balancing the needs of pedestrians and motor vehicles, and removing long-term car-parking.

Wapping Corner – It is well known that Tasmania’s oldest working theatre, the Theatre Royal, requires more space for patrons and performers. In response, the Tasmanian Government has commenced work on getting the site ready for redevelopment.  This will create additional facilities for the theatre while providing commercial returns for the developer. 

Macquarie One –Macquarie No 1 is a prime waterfront location near the Tasmanian School of Art and Henry Jones Art Hotel. There are a number of redevelopment opportunities for making the site more active and improving accessibility.

By committing to these projects, the Tasmanian Government is showing its faith in the future of Sullivans Cove and encouraging the private sector to get involved. We are building the foundations of a strong and vibrant waterfront community that continues to be internationally recognised as a working port, cultural hub and tourism playground.

For more information on the Tasmanian Government’s vision for Sullivans Cove, see www.waterfront.tas.gov.au