The iconic domed former headquarters of Forestry Tasmania in Hobart is set to be transformed into learning spaces for the University of Tasmania, under a development proposal submitted to the city council. Sources: Architecture AU, University of Tasmania
The multi-award-winning building on Melville Street comprises two original 1930s warehouses with a 22-metre-diametre glass dome designed by Circa Morris-Nunn Chua Architects in 1997.
The restoration project received the RAIA Tasmania Recycled Buildings Award in 1998 and is also now listed on the state heritage register.
Forestry Tasmania vacated the building in 2017 and the building was almost partially demolished under a Tasmania Police proposal to alter the premises for its own headquarters.
The University of Tasmania purchased the site in 2018.
Woods Bagot are working closely with architect Robert Morris-Nunn on new designs to restore the building, which includes plans to replant an urban forest that once stood underneath the dome.
“Seeing the building fall into disuse over the last few years has been really sad, so to know that the University is planning to restore it, and even reinstate the forest under the dome, is amazing news,” Morris-Nunn said.
“The dome was built in the 1990s, added on to an existing structure that dates back to the 1930s, and that dome has been deemed to have enough merit that it is now included in the overall heritage listing for the building.
“It’s the first time anything I’ve built has been heritage listed. So, it’s nice to know that legacy is now going to be preserved and given new life.
The refurbished building will form part of the Midtown precinct of University of Tasmania’s plans to move its campus to the Hobart CBD. It will be home to students and staff of law, business and economics.
“We are creating a very sustainable and beautiful building by retrofitting an existing space with a low carbon and circular design that makes extensive use of timber,” said Phil Leersen, University of Tasmania’s executive director of campus transformation.
“The design celebrates Hobart’s architectural heritage, scale and character. The building will provide great contemporary learning spaces for students that support our mission to make higher education more accessible.
“We are delighted to be restoring community access to an iconic Hobart space for everyone to enjoy. By bringing a major disused building back to life we will bring vitality and character to this part of the city.”
The redevelopment plans also include extensive green spaces linking inside and outside.
“The garden was always part of the intention for the space as I designed it, and to see it brought back to life to be enjoyed by the community will be wonderful,” Morris-Nunn said.
