‘Significant’ interest in Hobart’s Treasury buildings, Treasurer says

Potential developers have shown a “significant” level of interest in Hobart’s nearly 200-year-old Treasury buildings, the Treasurer says.

The Murray St entrance of Hobart Treasury Buildings. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

NINE “significant” registrations of interest in Hobart’s Treasury buildings have been received by the Government, Treasurer Peter Gutwein says.

Mr Gutwein announced in August that the ROI process was the first step in the three-stage public process to determine the best use of the buildings.

He said today there had been a good quality of registrations from businesses and firms interested in the buildings.

“There are nine registrations of interest that would indicate this will be a keenly sought after asset,” he said.

“As part of this process it’s a matter of understanding the background and experience of the entity that’s registering their interest and whether or not they have the financial capacity or the background in the redevelopment of heritage buildings.”

GALLERY: INSIDE HOBART’S HISTORIC TREASURY BUILDING

Treasurer Peter Gutwein in front of the Treasury Buildings. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mr Gutwein said the next step was a full expressions of interest process that would happen in the new year.

He said the building was not fit for purpose as contemporary public service accommodation.

“It needs to be reimagined,” he said.

Earlier this year, the Government advertised for consultants to help dispose of the buildings, but later indicated it might not sell them off.

The eight heritage-listed buildings in Franklin Square have been in public hands for almost 195 years.

The buildings have previously served as the state’s first Supreme Court, a police station and cells, a post office, the executive building and as a tourist bureau.

More recently they have been home to more than 200 public servants from the Department of Treasury and Finance and the Tasmanian Economic Regulator.