A heritage-listed house bought by Hobart City Council almost 20 years ago has sat mostly empty ever since, with safety issues preventing regular use and sparking calls for a full review of its future.
Councillor Louise Elliot is urging council officers to look at all options for Dorney House – including selling it or securing a long-term tenant – after years of limited access have left ratepayers footing the bill.
Built in 1978, the striking split-level home is considered an ‘icon of Tasmanian modernist architecture’.
Perched above the old Fort Nelson ruins in Sandy Bay, it was designed by architect James Henry Esmond Dorney as his family residence.
The property is renowned for its distinctive design and sweeping views across the Derwent Estuary.
“It is non-sensical for the council to have such as beautiful asset that is not accessible (or rarely accessible) to the community, not generating income and costing the council,” Elliot said.
Council purchased the house and 35 hectares of surrounding land in 2006 to protect the Sandy Bay skyline. But ongoing access problems have meant the vision for community use has never been realised.
Documents show safety concerns – including strict weight limits on the narrow access road, difficulties for emergency vehicles and occupancy permit issues – have blocked public events and wider use of the site.
The property is heritage-listed twice – once for the modernist house and again for the old Fort Nelson site underneath, which was used by the military from 1909 to 1949.
Council CEO Michael Stretton and senior staff will visit the site in the coming weeks to assess access problems and explore possible uses.
They will prepare a report examining heritage restrictions, zoning laws, liability risks and ongoing costs such as insurance and maintenance.
A recommendation will then return to council following the site visit and review.
The council notes the house is “believed by some to be one of the great modern houses of Australia”.
