Former Waratah Hotel officially reopens after renos as long-term home for up to 24 homeless men
A former Hobart hotel, once known for its steak sandwiches and late night bottle-o, has officially been reborn as a place to call home for men at risk of homelessness.
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IT USED to be one of the best spots in Hobart for a steak sandwich or to pick up an emergency bottle of booze after midnight.
But now, after nearly a year of construction works, the former Waratah Hotel has been officially reborn as a modern sanctuary that up to 24 men will be able to call home.
And according to Hobart’s homelessness and crisis housing sector, that’s the best Christmas present they could have asked for.
Bethlehem House has been contracted to operate the supported housing facility at 272 Murray Street, which aims to provide long-term accommodation for single men who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The state government purchased the site for $5.2 million in September 2019 and spent $4.5 million on construction works, which began in March this year.
“It’s the best Christmas present that we could ever have had,” Bethlehem House CEO Stephanie Meikle said.
“Here at 272 Murray Street, everybody has an individual bedroom with a nice view over the city. They are ensuite rooms furnished to a very high standard.”
She added the building had two lounge areas, a dining room, would soon have a gym installed, and staff on-site to assist with chores, teach life skills, and provide mental health, drug and alcohol support.
Ms Meikle also said the facility differed from the crisis support at Warwick Street, in that it provided long-term accommodation with ongoing help for physical and psychological health or disabilities.
“It is simple: having a permanent place to call home is key to recovery,” she said.
“We’re going to start accepting applicants from the priority register straight away … so that they know they’re going to have a home to go to.”
Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said the new facility added to the list of measures the government had taken recently to address homelessness including 18 temporary independent units at Bethlehem House and 10 living pods at the Hobart Women’s Shelter.
He also said the government had committed a further $1.7 million to operate the new facility over the coming three years after transforming it from a “much-loved watering hole” and “part of a lot of people’s growing-up story in Hobart”.
“This comes at a time when we know that there is demand for supported accommodation, particularly for single men facing homelessness.”
However, Opposition Leader Rebecca White said the 24 extra beds were “just a drop in the ocean”.
“We’ve got 3400 people on public housing waiting lists,” she said.
“Much more is needed.”
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