Royal Hobart Showgrounds appoints architect for redevelopment

A bold move to reimagine the Royal Hobart Showgrounds precinct has taken a leap forward, with a local architect named to deliver the masterplan concept.

Project concepts for the Royal Hobart Showgrounds include a new showground precinct, a new visitor centre, an emergency centre for people and animals in times of natural disaster, and housing. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

ONE of Australia’s leading architects has been appointed to create a concept masterplan for a new Hobart showground precinct – with a new visitor centre, emergency centre for natural disasters and housing.

The first meeting of the $300 million Royal Hobart Showgrounds transformation will be held on Monday.

Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania director Richard Dax said the deal paved the way for the biggest and most exciting redevelopment of the venue for the 198-year-old Hobart Show.

“Agricultural shows are done in Australia, they need modern appeal,” he said.

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Hobart-based Partners Hill have been chosen to provide a concept masterplan for the 12ha site, and design for a new dynamic pavilion.

Partners Hill, led by Timothy Hill, was chosen by a panel including an expert architectural adviser for the Royal Hobart Showgrounds redevelopment.

Project concepts include a new showground precinct, a new visitor centre, an emergency centre for people and animals in times of natural disaster, as well as housing.

“Several architectural firms were invited to an expressions of interest process, and Partners Hill, led by Timothy Hill, was chosen by a panel including an expert architectural adviser whose own career spans the UK, Germany and Australia,” said Mr Dax.

“We are very proud that Timothy has taken on our brief and understands what we want to achieve.

“We want it to be multifunctional and flexible, and at the same time be an innovative, beautiful space for connection for the community and visitors.”

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Mr Hill, a multi-award winning architect, is the recipient of the national 2019 Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture. The Australian Institute of Architects awarded him the prize for his Daylesford Longhouse in rural Victoria.

Mr Hill said the precinct would become “a part of town” – a visitor and educational destination showcasing Tasmania’s excellence in agriculture, food and wine production.

“A place for communities to live, cultivate, celebrate, trade, learn, eat and visit throughout the year, not just for show time,” he said.

“It’s a great time to reimagine Hobart Showground.”

Mr Hill is preparing several designs to discuss with stakeholders and the community.

The Tasmanian Government has confirmed $1.5 million towards the pavilion and surrounds.

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