The human remains were found on Tuesday at the site of a new Hutchins School building

The Principal of Hutchins School says historical human remains found at a building site will be treated with ‘the utmost respect’.

Queenborough Memorial Reserve near the school site. Human remains found at The Hutchins School in Sandy Bay at a construction site on the school grounds. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Principal of the Hutchins School said historical human remains found at a school building site were likely buried in a cemetery that was closed 90 years ago.

Work was temporarily shut down on Tuesday at the building site of the school’s new auditorium and sports centre, after human remains were unearthed.

In an email to parents, principal Rob McEwan said Tasmania Police, the Coroner’s office and Heritage Tasmania were contacted immediately and work suspended after the remains were found on Tuesday.

“While it is known that the current Senior School site was once the Queenborough Regional

Cemetery, opened in 1873 and closed in 1934, it was understood all gravesites had been

exhumed in 1961 and transferred to the Cornelian Bay Cemetery,” the email from Dr McEwan said.

“Following today’s discovery, we wish to assure our community that the school will continue

to work closely with Tasmania Police and the Coroner’s office to ensure all remains are

treated with utmost respect and dignity. A service will be held in the future in the memorial

garden on Peel Street together with the installation of an appropriate memorial for those

buried at the original Queenborough Cemetery.

“The School recognises that today’s discovery may be upsetting for some and will provide

support as required. Please do not hesitate to make contact with the School to seek support

if needed.”

Further investigations of the site were expected to take place on Wednesday.

The School has been contacted for comment.