Government House in Hobart requires further restoration work

The well-worn sandstone of a Tasmanian landmark is in need of some TLC.

Government House in Hobart.

TASMANIA’S Government House will undergo further restoration work focusing on deteriorating sandstone.

The Department of Treasury and Finance recently awarded a $117,00 contract to Cambridge-based business Heritage Stone for restoration work at Government House, to resolve issues with water ingress and sandstone deterioration.

Government House.

A spokesman for Treasury said while most of the stonework at Government House was in good condition, a recent inspection identified areas needing maintenance.

Work will include replacement of some worn decorative cobblestones at the main entry, repair and replacement of stone and paving to the Conservatory patio, installation of an air vent drain and recording of the excavation by an archaeologist and installation of waterproof membrane to two external stair landings.

“All works are to ensure that the building fabric is appropriately maintained,” the spokesman said.

Last year it was revealed Government House required major roof repairs to maintain the 162-year-old building’s structural integrity.

The $333,000 job included new timber beams to connect roof gables to roof structures and the installation of tension bars to external stonework around the ballroom roof.

The main structure of Government House remains as it was when it was first occupied.