Hobart City Council’s bid to settle Dorney House dilemma

SANDY Bay’s iconic Dorney House could soon be revitalised as Hobart City Council calls for expressions of interest to better use the heritage-listed property.

The cast of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe -- Jane Longhurst as Martha. Jeff Michel as George, Rowan Harris as Nick, and Karissa Lane as Honey -- at Dorney House in 2014. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

SANDY Bay’s iconic Dorney House could soon be revitalised as Hobart City Council calls for expressions of interest to better use the heritage-listed property.

The council acquired Dorney House — which includes 35ha of hilltop bushland — from the Dorney family a decade ago to preserve the landmark and protect the bushland skyline around Hobart. It has sat largely unused since.

Among the more unusual temporary “residents” have been the cast and audience of a local theatrical production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf back in 2014.

The property overlooks the city and is the former home of renowned architect Esmond Dorney.

It was built in 1978 over parts of a decommissioned World War I gun battery, and was heritage listed for its modernist architectural values and remnants of Fort Nelson.

Theatre performers Jeff Michel and Jane Longhurst promoting the 2014 production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf', which was staged at Dorney House.

Earlier this year the council voted to call for ideas to better use the site.

Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said organisations and people who loved the site could now put their ideas forward for consideration.

“We are looking for a great idea that is matched with energy, enthusiasm and a strong business case to ensure it is sustainable in the long term,” she said.

Parks and Recreation Committee chairman Anna Reynolds said she was looking forward to proposals involving the long-term lease of the property which also opened the site up for people to enjoy.

“The site is well known in the arts, heritage and architectural communities for the one-off and limited run events the city has facilitated,” she said.

The council commissioned consultants last year to identify costs, clarify planning issues and further assess the site.

Expressions of interest will open tomorrow until December 21.

The magnificent River Derwent view from Dorney House.

Originally published as Hobart City Council’s bid to settle Dorney House dilemma