The proposed Macquarie Point Stadium has hit a major hurdle, with the Tasmanian Heritage Council this afternoon permanently listing The Goods Shed on the Heritage Register.
The century-old structure, built in 1915 for the Hobart railway, was found to have “state level historic cultural heritage significance” after a period of public consultation.
Heritage Council Chair Brett Torossi said the Goods Shed was a prime example of the development of rail transport in Tasmania from World War 1 onwards.
“The THC agreed that the Goods Shed satisfied two criteria – that it is important to the course or pattern of Tasmania’s history and possesses uncommon or rare aspects of Tasmania’s history, in particular, rail history,” she said.
“It was integral to the development of Sullivans Cove and Hobart as a centre for trade, including the international export of agriculture.”
“The Goods Shed is rare in a Tasmanian context because while it illustrates a historical function which is no longer practised it remains an important reminder of the broader changes in the state’s freight transport – particularly the transition of land transport from railways to road-based and the increased dominance of freight shipping.”
The Goods Shed will now be protected from demolition or relocation, which may pose a challenge to the proposed Macquarie Point stadium on the site.
Torossi said officers from Heritage Tasmania would work with Macquarie Point stakeholders as rehabilitation of the site progressed.
“Any future change to the Goods Shed, including relocation within the property, would need to be consistent with the Heritage Council’s works guidelines,” she said.
The shed is currently owned by Macquarie Point Development Corporation and is home to Hobart Brewing Co, as well as being a popular venue for music and events.
