Major works finally begin at Macquarie Point with removal of former cold storage building

AN Antarctic and Science precinct earmarked for Macquarie Point would be a priority project under a Hobart City Deal.

AN Antarctic and Science precinct earmarked for Macquarie Point would be a priority project under a Hobart City Deal.

As the first piece of significant infrastructure to be removed from the site, the Cold Store, was demolished, State Growth Minister Matthew Groom revealed the $40 million Antarctic precinct would be a key plank of a City Deal for Hobart — which is still being negotiated between the state and federal governments.

“By working in collaboration with the Federal Government to realise the Antarctic and science precinct as part of the Hobart City Deal, we have the capacity to further cement Tasmania’s position as a world-leading scientific research location,” Mr Groom said.

“An Antarctic and science precinct would complement other federal investments in Tasmania, such as the Hobart airport runway extension and investment in other Tasmanian-based research organisations.”

MORE: UNCERTAINTY OVER MACQUARIE POINT PLANS

Demolition work begins at the old cold storage facility at Macquarie Point. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

The Hobart City Council has previously agreed to make the University of Tasmania’s $400 million Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) centre the centrepiece of any city deal.

This was backed by a group of southern councils.

This would still be the case with the Antarctic and Science Precinct to be a major component of the collaborative agreement between federal, state and local governments.

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Macquarie Point Development Corporation chief executive Mary Massina. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Macquarie Point Development Corporation chief executive Mary Massina said it was a massive step forward for the site.

“This would put Macquarie Point front and centre in the City Deal, which reflects just how important the development of this site is to Hobart and the entire State,” she said.

“We are working hard to prepare the site for these exciting opportunities. However, preparing the site is not just important for the long-term vision, it is also generating benefits right now.”

The Antarctic and Science Precinct is separate to plans for an Anarctic experience that the renowned environmental charity the Eden Project is proposing for Mac Point.

The international arm of the charity is expected in Hobart before the end of the year as it prepares a business case for its proposal — which it has described as so realistic it could be “life-threatening”.