Masterplan revealed for CBD’s In the Hanging Garden entertainment precinct
Darklab has released plans for the redevelopment of a popular Hobart entertainment precinct that will see the addition of new live music and hospitality venues. PLAN + PICTURES >>
Hobart & South
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HOBART’S In The Hanging Garden precinct will be transformed to include a series of hospitality and live music venues, tiered gardens, a hotel and a residential component, new plans have revealed.
The future redevelopment of the area has been outlined in a masterplan strategy released by Riverlee and DarkLab, the team behind activation of the almost entire CBD block.
The hospitality precinct was introduced in 2019 to activate the site temporarily, but the latest plans will turn it into what is being described as a “vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood”.
The next stage will also see commercial spaces and communal areas connected with other components by a network of laneways throughout the precinct, which also includes venues like the Odeon Theatre and Tattersalls Hotel.
It is part of development company Riverlee’s planned 20-year investment in Hobart and its four-year partnership with DarkLab, which is a subsidiary of Mona.
“Hobart is a special place for us. With In The Hanging Garden we wanted to create a new place that felt like it had been there for centuries because we know that culture is intangible — it’s a feeling, something that develops over time,’’ Riverlee development director David Lee said.
“Together with DarkLab, we wanted to create a place that will serve the community now and into the future, with people and culture as the lifeblood of the city.
“In The Hanging Garden will be a place where people can gather and express themselves across a diverse series of spaces where connections are created and where peoples’ creativity can thrive.”
DarkLab founder Leigh Carmichael said there was a vision for the site to become a significant cultural facility in the heart of Hobart.
“We hope it inspires a reinvigorated CBD, and that other businesses can also capitalise,’’ he said.
“There is momentum building in Hobart at present, and this project has the potential to be a game-changer for the city centre.”
Stage one of the masterplan includes a new commercial office building at 120 Bathurst St, in a joint venture with commercial property firm Quintessential Equity.
It will be designed by In The Hanging Garden architects Fender Katsalidis, and promises to reflect the city’s heritage landscape.
In an effort to gauge public opinion, Riverlee and DarkLab have created a precinct placebook, which sets out of the vision for the site and invites community feedback.
An information session on the plans is being staged on Thursday night at Altar, 112 Murray St, Hobart from 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start.
For more information, visit www.ithg.com.au
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