The future of Hobart’s century-old Goods Shed has been revealed, with new details emerging about the new life it will take on after moving to make way for the Macquarie Point stadium.
Built in 1915 for the Hobart railway, the shed earned its place on the heritage register earlier this year.
The structure is set to be dismantled and relocated as part of the proposed $715 million multi-purpose stadium development, a move announced by designers in July.
The shed will be reassembled on the opposite side of the site and positioned in a location that the developers say is contextually and historically appropriate.
Cumulus Studio director Peter Walker said the shed will be given a “new lease on life” as a vibrant community hub, hosting events, markets and live performances.
“The relocated Goods Shed will offer a distinctive blend of heritage and contemporary design, serving as both a unique event venue and a welcoming extension to the stadium concourse on event days,” Walker said on Thursday.
“Importantly, incorporating the shed into the precinct and stadium design in this way ensures its continuing use as an event space, while preserving its structure, history and connection to place.”
The Goods Shed originally served as the terminus for the city’s freight rail line and will “maintain this connection” by incorporating design elements that reference the former rail yards.
Walker said the relocated shed would sit near where the train maintenance shed once stood.
“While no longer present on the site, the proposal includes the interpretation of the former rail tracks through paving inlays and details through the surrounding plaza,” he said.
“We’re excited to bring the Goods Shed back to life as part of our design and ensure its ongoing role at Mac Point.”
The Tasmanian Greens earlier this year used the heritage listing of the shed to call on the state government to abandon the stadium project altogether.
“Plenty of people in and around Hobart go to gigs at the Goods Shed just where it is with its now precious heritage protection,” MLC Cassy O’Connor said in April.
“It’s really important … that it stays where it is, that it’s looked after and Jeremy Rockliff walks away from his stadium folly.”
