DREAM PROJECT TO HAVE TRAMS ROLL ALONG WATERFRONT

PLANS for a Hobart heritage tramway museum, featuring century-old trams rolling along the city’s scenic waterfront, have moved a step closer to realisation.

A development application was this week lodged with the Hobart City Council, with the Hobart Tram Restoration and Museum Society now ready to seek funding.

The proposed tourism attraction would see century-old, fully restored trams – made from all-Tasmanian timbers – take tourists along a disused rail line from the Regatta Grounds to Cornelian Bay.

It would also involve the construction of a tram depot and display facility at McVilly Drive at the Domain.

“It’s been an exhaustive seven years getting it to this stage,” society spokesman John Kelly said.

“If the development application proceeds smoothly, we’re ready to seek funding.”

Mr Kelly said Hobart’s tram network was live from 1893 to 1960.

“Tasmania was the first place in the southern hemisphere to have a tram network. It was way ahead of its time,” he said.

“There used to be a line up Sandy Bay, South Hobart, North Hobart out to Moonah, along Lenah Valley Rd and West Hobart.

“They’ve just been so significant in Hobart’s culture.”

FLASHBACK: John Kelly of the Hobart Tram Restoration and Museum Society Inc with a tram ready for restoration outside the Town Hall. Insets: Trams rumbling through Hobart, including (right) a double decker tram in Elizabeth St, Hobart, circa 1930s.