Riverlee and DarkLab open new Hobart cultural precinct In the Hanging Garden

Hobart’s new $5 million live music and cultural precinct is ready to throw open its doors for the first time after two years in the pipeline.

In the Hanging Garden project manager Joe Pickett with venue manager Jez Heath putting the finishing touches on the space. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

HOBART’S new $5 million live music and cultural precinct, In the Hanging Garden, will throw open its doors for the first time tonight after two years in the pipeline.

Encompassing nearly an entire city block, there will be plenty of space for people to party from 8pm.

The opening of the Cathedral and Hanging Garden outdoor dining and beer garden areas coincides with the start of Dark Mofo, but the entertainment zone will be open permanently.

Mona subsidiary DarkLab, who delivered stage one of the project with property developers Riverlee, will shout the first 666 Asahi beers for those who get in quick.

IN THE HANGING GARDEN TO CHANGE THE FACE OF CBD

In sticking with the theme of the Devil’s number, wine, tap beer and cider will be $6.66 each.

Those who hit the town tonight will also get to enjoy music from David Chesworth, Kim Salmon and Lonnie Holley at Altar, a new live music venue at the former Tattersall’s Hotel.

The Cathedral in Dark Mofo’s In the Hanging Garden on Murray Street. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Project manager Joe Pickett yesterday said it would be another very late night for staff who had been working around the clock to get the site ready.

“We’ve still got tradies moving all around us and forklifts going,” he said. “We don’t have the tables and chairs in yet but once that final step is complete, with lighting and a few heaters, it’s going to be a great space.

“For the opening we’ve got some great music at Altar, but there’s also food offerings by Vigil, Tombolo Freycinet Woodfired Pizza, the Heavy Metal Kitchen at Mona and more.”

The Eastern Shore kicked off the Dark Mofo festivities last night with the opening of an exciting exhibition to be shown at Rosny Farm.

Only the Penitent Shall Pass, by Melbourne-based artist Andrew Hustwaite, will turn Rosny Barn into an interactive playground of geometric sculptures until June 30.

IN THE HANGING GARDEN

112 Murray Street, Hobart

● Odeon Theatre

○ Live music venue in one of Tasmania’s oldest theatres, 167 Liverpool St, Hobart

○ Live music programmed and promoted by DarkLab from September

○ Open weekends 7pm — 11pm

● In the Hanging Garden

○ Outdoor dining

○ Beer garden

○ Pop-up kitchens with local producers

○ Open 7 days a week, midday to late

● Altar

○ Live music venue on ground floor of former Tattersall’s Hotel, 112 Murray St, Hobart

○ Operated, programmed, and promoted by DarkLab

○ Open weekends 7pm — 11pm + more

● High Altar

○ Nightclub on first floor of former Tattersall’s Hotel

○ Open weekends 11pm — 4am, from September

● Opening Night

Wednesday June 5 from 8pm:

Free entry, $6.66 beer and wine In the Hanging Garden. Free music in Altar, including David Chesworth, Kim Salmon and a surprise headliner.