Rethink our Treasury Buildings

As expressions of interest close, imagine an iconic future, writes Chris Merridew

THE proposition that Hobart’s Treasury Buildings be kept in public ownership, rather than sold, began in October 2017.

The Sunday Tasmanian revealed the complex was costing taxpayers $220,000 for maintenance of the home of 200 Treasury officials.

It was revealed there had been interest in developing the complex as a hotel.

It started a 30-month public outcry that the buildings were of untold significance that had overseen the birth of democracy not only in Tasmania, but federally.

I have always said these buildings must remain in public ownership.

There was uproar against possible divestment of what Tasmanians consider as their assets, and equally their views are fairly united as to future uses. From the divestment teams and community consultation, feedback is “a continued form of public ownership of the buildings was a consistent sentiment.”

Expressions of interest for the Treasury Buildings close tomorrow.

Numerous Talking Points, Editorials, articles and letters in support of retaining public ownership were logical, realistic and inclusive of options for our government to apply to our Treasury Buildings. Further from the community feedback, uses included “a mix of museums and galleries, tourist visitor information centre including wilderness promotions, restaurants, coffee areas, and public spaces.” There is very little enthusiasm at the idea of sale for a hotel development. While Tasmania will no doubt recover its tourist visitation, it certainly isn’t the time to be venturing into another hotel.

But now is the time for the State Government to invest in Tasmania’s next tourism icon, with a point of difference based on and within our Treasury Buildings, and their significance in the 50 administrations of Tasmania, with all the well documented stories these buildings can tell. Conservation Management Plans written from 2004 to 2017 by respected Tasmanian heritage architect Graeme Corney outlines in detail what we have encompassed in these buildings. Tasmania has so much of international interest, which is stored quite often in private collections.

Arts Minister Elise Archer is to be congratulated for the $3 million for fast-tracked maintenance on the TMAG buildings. Unfortunately, neither she nor the Treasurer are supportive of TMAG consideration of the Treasury Buildings. In light of the fire in the Museum of Chinese in New York in February last year, when warehouse storage was destroyed with the loss of 85,000 artifacts, the Government may wish to reconsider because TMAG has 6500 artifacts in warehouse and archive storage.

The Government is to be commended for its $50 million Public Building Maintenance Fund. Each year $250,000 is budgeted for maintenance of the eight Treasury Buildings. The Department of Treasury advertised on February 21 for an office fit-out design for some 3300sq m at 21 Kirksway Place, Battery Point. Based on advice from a commercial property practitioner, such a lease could be in the order of $1.7 million a year to accommodate the Treasury Officials. Cost of fit-out based on previous works could be in the order of $2 million.

With all Tasmanians reconsidering our future, it could be providential for the Government to reconsider its approach to the future of these buildings. It is the time to approach differently the future of these buildings. Firstly, with the $3.7 million it will cost for the first year of leased premises spent towards making them fit for purpose for Treasury officials. The $1.7 million saved on rent each year could be spent on developing so many of the great concepts outlined for the possible future life of the Treasury Buildings. The Treasurer did say in the budget in June he “may keep some for his purposes”.