Construction recently began on the $131m project in Melville St

Major renovations have begun on the University of Tasmania’s newest CBD hub, which will eventually house 300 staff and 3,000 students. See the “world-class” designs >

Uni of Tas plan to move into the centre of Hobart, sprinkled across a number of city sites. Artist impressions of new or refurbished buildings in the city under the 10 year plan. An artist’s impression of the rejuvenated Forestry building in Melville St, one of the first buildings to be revamped for students and staff.

THE indoor forest that once graced one of Hobart’s landmark buildings will be restored as the University of Tasmania embarks on another CBD relocation project.

Construction recently began on the $131m renovation of the former Forestry Tasmania building in Melville St.

When complete in 2025, the building will become home to the College of Business and Economics, the Law School and administrative offices.

The site, which incorporates the former Freedom Furniture building on Brisbane St, will house 300 staff and support the studies of 3000 students.

Executive Dean of the College of Business and Economics Professor Stuart Crispin said the central business district was the ideal location for the college.

“This new hub will be close to transport, jobs, shops and services and brings business, law and economics education and research into the heart of the city allowing increased collaborations with our partners as we work to solve real problems for real people,” Professor Crispin said.

Artist impression of the Forestry building with the restored dome that will be part of UTAS city campus facilities. Picture: supplied

Hansen Yuncken Project Manager Alex Gorton said the build would feature a strong focus on sustainability.

“We look forward to bringing to life this truly world-class design,” Mr Gorton said.

The project will restore the living forest to the heritage listed dome, creating a new public thoroughfare between Melville and Brisbane Streets.

Executive Dean Professor Stuart Crispin at the old Forestry building that is set to be transformed as part of the UTAS city CBD move. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The building has been vacant since Forestry Tasmania, now Sustainable Timber Tasmania, moved out.

The University purchased the building for $15m in 2019 as part of a buy-up of CBD properties.

Tasmanian architect Robert Morris-Nunn, who designed the award-winning 1990s renovation of the building, said he was thrilled it would now be part of the University of Tasmania’s campus.

“Seeing the building fall into disuse was really sad,” Mr Morris-Nunn said.

“It’s been truly amazing for the building to become part of the University and to know that it will be renovated, the forest replanted, and the space filled with students and given back the life it should have had.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said the project represented a significant investment in educational facilities for students and staff.

The City of Hobart approved the development application for the restoration last year.