Barracks building at Willow Court set to become artistic hub under guidance of Salamanca Arts Centre

The scariest building in Tasmania is set to become an artistic hub under the guidance of the Salamanca Arts Centre.

Derwent Valley Mayor Ben Shaw in one of the renovated buildings at Willow Court where the proposed arts hub is set to be located. Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

The Barracks building at Willow Court is set to become an artistic hub run under the guidance of the Salamanca Arts Centre.

The New Norfolk building was originally built in 1827 for invalid and mentally ill convicts.

It was later known as The Royal Derwent Hospital and closed in late 2000.

The derelict building has mostly remained empty since then, but a team of eager Derwent Valley creatives has driven a campaign to use the space for community, arts and cultural activities.

The Barracks buildings at Willow Court where the proposed arts hub is set to be located. Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

On Thursday night the Derwent Valley Council approved a joint proposal from Derwent Valley Arts and their collaboration partners the Salamanca Arts Centre to lease the iconic Barracks building and the eight-bedroom Frascati House.

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The two groups have signed a memorandum of understanding, under which the Salamanca Arts Centre has agreed to provide its expertise and administrative support.

The buildings will be transformed into studios, office spaces and gallery spaces.

One of the renovated buildings at Willow Court where the proposed arts hub is set to be located. Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

Derwent Valley Mayor Ben Shaw said the potential of the Willow Court site could now be realised.

“The Barracks building is one of the most significant buildings in the state,” Mr Shaw said.

“This is a fantastic thing for our community and a great win for this historical site.”

Salamanca Arts Centre CEO Joe Bugdon said he instantly understood the benefits of the Derwent Valley Arts vision when he was first approached last year.

He said it reminded him of the transformation 45 years ago of the seven Salamanca warehouses that were dilapidated and derelict buildings when they were rescued from demolition by a group of passionate artists.

Derwent Valley Arts estimates it will need around $1 million just to finish stage one of its plan.

It plans to apply for assistance through state community funds, federal government regional art programs and through local crowd funding.