Hobart icon on the move after more than 150 years
The Hobart Workers Club could be in for a major shake up after more than 150 years. SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING >>
Tasmania
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After more than 150 years, the Hobart workers club could leave its Liverpool location behind, with the long term home for iconic Hobart club set to go on the market.
Workers Club president Michael Grubb said the decision was made at a special general meeting on Wednesday night.
“There was a motion put to the members that we would explore selling the existing assets the building in Liverpool St and the carpark in Goulburn St,” Mr Grubb said.
“The current building is not fit for purpose, it’s a little small and doesn’t suit all our meeting requirements.”
“In the ideal world, if we were a very wealthy organisation we’d redevelop the existing site, but we’re not in that position.”
According to work former UTAS researcher Professor Stefan Petrow, The Hobart Workers Club was originally called the Hobart Working Men’s Club and was the first of its kind in Australia
It was a place for education and leisure and became popular for entertainment, games and billiards in particular.
Drinking, gambling and swearing were prohibited.
“We did a bit of research around our history and the workers club commenced in 1864, that’s when it started its life in Barrack St,” Mr Grubb said.
“In 1867 it moved into the current Liverpool Street site.
“Certainly it’s well known for cue sports, 8 ball, billiards and snooker.
“It’s the club that’s the icon, not necessarily building.”
Mr Grubb reassured the club would not be shutting down.
“All we’re doing is moving from one building to another,” he said.
Mr Grubb said there’s no rush to sell.
“We have no time pressure as such but the expression of interest process will likely be somewhere between six and eight weeks I would think,” Mr Grubb said.
“It’s very important to note the committee have very stringent sale conditions and unless those conditions are achieved, the building won’t be sold at all.”
Mr Grubb said the club was yet to lock in a building for a new location in Hobart.
“That’s not set in concrete yet, we have explored other CBD sites in the city but we haven’t agreed on anything just yet,” he said.
He said even if the club did move, it would still be the same old Hobart Workers Club.
“The business and offering to the members won’t change it can only improve,” Mr Grubb said.
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