Gutwein coy over Treasury details

TREASURER Peter Gutwein is refusing to say whether further advice to the State Government on the potential of the historic Treasury Building will be released.

Mr Gutwein released a heritage report on the prime piece of real estate this week, sparking Opposition calls for all documents relating to the Treasury to be made public.

The State Government has said development of the building, which the tourism industry is demanding be turned into a hotel, was put on hold because of economic advice.

The Mercury asked the Treasurer if any further advice would be released.

“The Government considered a range of issues regarding the Treasury Building, including heritage issues,” he said.

“As the heritage report makes clear, there would be significant costs associated with repurposing the building, depending on what that use was.”

Shadow treasurer Scott Bacon said more documents should be made public.

“It took pressure from the media and Opposition for the Treasurer to release a basic heritage report,” Mr Bacon said.

“Let’s put everything on the table so we can have a proper discussion about the future potential of the building.”

Tourism industry interest resulted in Labor calling for a public debate on the building.

Premier Will Hodgman this week said the Government remained open to discussions.

The Mercury understands up to three hotel groups could be interested in the building, which would cost about $30 million to convert.

Tourism pioneer Simon Currant said a boutique hotel would be the best use of the building.

“There have been numerous expressions of interest from private equity to take over that building and develop it into a beautiful hotel that Tasmania and Hobart would be absolutely proud of,” Mr Currant said.

Former National Trust councillor Christopher Merridew has called for the Treasury to become a colonial art wing of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

Architectural historian Robert Vincent said the released heritage report backed that concept.

“The real issue is what now and what are the opportunities, given the framework of this study basically gives a due diligence position,” he said.

“It is a matter of working out what the next 50 years could bring.”

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor weighed into the debate yesterday, declaring the building should stay in public hands.

“If there is to be a change of use for the Treasury Building, its owners — the Tasmanian people — must be at the centre of the discussion,” she said.