Alderman Damon Thomas raises fears over future of 'landmark’ St Stephen’s church in Sandy Bay

Revelations that a prominent former church on prime waterfront land at Sandy Bay is for sale has prompted a strong reaction from a Hobart Alderman. FULL STORY >>>

FEARS have been raised for the future of a for-sale church property on prime waterfront land at Sandy Bay that has been described by a Hobart Alderman as an “icon” of the suburb.

Former Mayor Damon Thomas says he is worried about the potential for the rich history of the old St Stephens Anglican Church to be depleted if the site was to be developed.

The property at 520 Sandy Bay Rd, opposite Red Chapel Ave, was this week listed for sale with agents expecting interest from prospective local, interstate and overseas buyers.

The site is zoned general residential, opening up possible development opportunities, leaving Mr Thomas wondering what that meant for the church and separate hall on the property.

520 Sandy Bay Road Sandy Bay. Knight Frank

The church was formally deconsecrated as an Anglican Church in 2019, and has most recently been used by the Hobart Vision Church, a Korean-speaking congregation.

“Some people would just call it a church, a building, but I think it’s got a greater sense than that,’’ Mr Thomas said.

“It’s a focal point, a place that’s been part of the community for 100 years. It has an identity and it’s a landmark.

“It would be catastrophic if someone could come in and get the right to pull it down.”

Mr Thomas said he was not suggesting that was going to happen, but he nevertheless feared for the building given its heritage significance.

Hobart City Council Alderman Damon Thomas. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Mr Thomas said heritage laws were in place to prevent “desecration or destruction” of buildings, but that the laws were open to interpretation.

“Selling the building might be the Anglican Church’s province, but selling it to an overseas or interstate buyer that doesn’t realise the significance of it, it does have an impact and it could change the character of that locality forever,’’ he said.

“We need as a community to start making a decision about how we deal with the transfer and sale of a property that’s got such a significance.

“I don’t think it is just a building. If someone came in and tried to pull down the town hall or the GPO building, there would be an uproar.”

Knight Frank commercial sales consultant George Burbury described prospective purchasers of the property as “astute”, with vision and resources.

“The eventual purchaser will recognise the potential and uniqueness of the opporunity presented,’’ he said.

“With the property dating circa 1847, the vendor has prepared a concise conservation management plan which outlines the history of the place and its heritage characteristics.

“This information will be available for prospective buyers.”

The property is one of many being sold statewide by the Anglican Church to fund abuse redress commitments.

It will go under the hammer at auction next month.

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