Parliament Square development marks major milestone

THE new Parliament Square development has risen to its full height – a feat marked with a “topping off” ceremony on the building’s concrete roof.

An artist's impression of the new Parliament Square development in Hobart. Pictures: SUPPLIED

THE new Parliament Square development has risen to its full height – a feat marked with a “topping off” ceremony on the building’s concrete roof.

Developers of the $150 million Salamanca Building, Citta Property Group, held a ceremonial concrete pour to mark the milestone.

Construction crews will now vacate the site and make way for the team responsible for fitting out the building.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein said the building project had generated almost $150 million in economic activity and 400 jobs.

The “topping off” ceremony on top of the Parliament Square redevelopment. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Citta Property Group managing director Stephen McMillan said the completion of the entire development was still two years away but “we have finally got to the top”.

The developers hoisted a pine tree to the top of the building, signifying the completion of the structure.

“This is an old northern European tradition,” Mr McMillan said.

“We want to celebrate the achievement of all our staff, Han­sen Yuncken’s building team and our architects FJMT.”

An artist's impression of the new Parliament Square development in Hobart viewed from Salamanca Place. Picture: SUPPLIED

The building has 10 levels, with two below ground and eight above.

Building and Construction Minister Adam Brooks said there was a record level of construction work being done in Tasmania and more in the pipeline.

“Construction work is up 27 per cent since the Government came to office,” he said.

The new Salamanca Building will deliver more than 16,000 square metres of premium office space to the Tasmanian Government.

The development will also incorporate a luxury $30 boutique hotel.

Stage two, due in late 2017, involves demolishing 10 Murray St and part of 12 Murray St.

An artist's impression of the new Parliament Square development viewed from Murray St. Picture: SUPPLIED

The final stages involve building a new underground car park where 10 Murray St currently stands, creating the new public open space and commercial and retail spaces.

The distinct heritage buildings surrounding the Square are being fully restored by Vos Constructions and enriched with contemporary additions to create the boutique hotel.

The completed development will also include specialty retailers, restaurants and bars.

The hotel is expected to be opened in 2018.