‘Next Tasman Hotel’: hospitality industry backs Treasury building revamp as interest process opens

A redeveloped Treasury building could offer a similarly world-class experience to the Tasman Hotel, the state’s peak hospitality body has said, as a registration of interest process got underway.

Customs House hotel owner Paul Jubb, Treasurer Guy Barnett, and Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief Michael Bailey outside the Treasury Building in Hobart. Picture: Supplied

A redeveloped Hobart Treasury building could offer tourists a similarly world-class experience to the nearby Tasman Hotel, the state’s peak hospitality body has said, as the government launched a registration of interest process in the heritage property.

With Tasmanian Treasurer Guy Barnett calling for “bold and transformational” suggestions from the private sector to reimagine the historic eight-building complex’s future, THA chief executive Steve Old said it was a unique chance to breathe new life into the centrally located precinct.

“This is about unlocking potential,” Mr Old said in Hobart on Tuesday.

“The redevelopment of the Treasury Complex represents a significant chance to deliver world-class hospitality experiences, just as we’ve seen with Parliament Square and The Tasman Hotel.

“It’s a rare opportunity to combine heritage preservation with visionary enterprise that benefits both locals and tourists.

“If done right, this development could become a flagship destination for our capital.”

Minister Barnett said the ROI process – the first of three planned stages of regulatory work at the site – invited interested proponents to share their vision for the complex, which has been in public hands for nearly 200 years having served as the state’s first Supreme Court, a police station and cells, a post office, and a tourist bureau.

The old Treasury Building in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Minister Barnett said a decision on whether the government sold, or leased, the Treasury building would depend on the outcome of the registration of interest process.

“We have seen the amazing development at Parliament Square and the Tasman, which has not only preserved the heritage characteristics of the buildings but is now home to world-class hospitality offerings, accessible to Tasmanians and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Barnett said.

“It is time that the buildings were brought back to life, creating a new space for us all to discover, and it is fantastic to have industry backing this vision.

“The innovation and investment [ideas received] will be assessed very carefully and independently, and go through the normal process to ensure that we get the best possible outcomes.”

It is anticipated that the ROI for the interconnected Treasury Building complex, which has a total floor area of more than 8200sqm, will be followed by an Expression of Interest phase, then a Request for Tender stage towards the end of the year.

The Treasury Building comprises eight interconnected and adjoining civic buildings with a floor area of more than 8200 square metres.

Tasmanian hospitality industry veteran and owner of the nearby Customs House Hotel owner, Paul Jubb, said the heritage-preservation project could involve a mix of boutique accommodation, dining, and retail, and be potentially transformative for the entire waterfront area.

“We’ve seen how successful developments like the Tasman – which has well and truly put our state on the global stage – can be,” said Mr Jubb, who cited Brisbane’s own Treasury hotel conversion a thriving example of a heritage building makeover.

“Now it’s time for the Treasury Complex to take its place in the next chapter of Tasmania’s hospitality story.”

Originally published as ‘Next Tasman Hotel’: hospitality industry backs Treasury building revamp as interest process opens