Hobart waterfront icon Cartela on the move for first time in 102 years

AN icon of the Hobart waterfront is on the move to make way for the Brooke St pier redevelopment.

Ross James, the Cartela is leaving the Brooke St pier for the first time in 102 years, she leaves for her new home at the the Franklin wharf on June 26 to be renovated

AN old favourite of the Hobart waterfront is on the move next week to make way for the redevelopment of the Brooke St Pier.

For the first time in its 102-year history, the Cartela will be relocated to a new base at Franklin, where it is expected to undergo a makeover.

Ross James aboard the Cartela.

Steamship Cartela Trust project manager Ross James said the move would be a historic moment for the ship and it was hoped a crowd on sea and land would be there
to send the historic vessel off.

“This will be the first time in 102 years she has called anywhere other than Brooke St Pier home,” Mr James said.

“We haven’t found any other ferry that’s operated from the same pier for 102 years.”

The trust has a total overhaul planned for the historic steamship that is in a state of disrepair and has not carried passengers for
18 months. Initial funding has been provided for a rebuild of the engine but the trust is yet to secure the funds needed from the Federal Government for the full restoration.

It’s estimated the makeover will take four years and cost $4 million.

The Cartela ferry at the Hobart Regatta in 1941.

The trust wants to employ four apprentice shipwrights on the project who will be able to complete their qualifications during the makeover.

Mr James said a critical part of the funding negotiations would be for the State Government to make the case for a makeover to the Federal Government.

Mr James said when fully restored, the Cartela would return to Hobart to take its rightful place as a key part of life on the Derwent.

The Cartela will leave Brooke St for Franklin on June 26 at 10am.

A State Government spokesman said it would be happy to consider a formal funding proposal.