Plans for a refurbishment project that would transform the Elizabeth Street Pier on Hobart’s waterfront, including adding more accommodation and constructing a new restaurant, have been submitted to the city council.
The proposed changes, drawn up by Jaws Architects, include the creation of 42 new rooms by converting what is currently a function centre into accommodation and a restaurant, along with upgrades to the exterior facade and ground level.
According to the planning documents, a third level would be added within the existing building structure to accommodate 27 new rooms, while the number of rooms on the second level would be reduced from 56 to 54 to allow access to the upper level.
“On the ground floor, the conversion of a part of the existing function centre into 17 new hotel rooms is proposed. There will be a total of 98 rooms with a net increase of 42 rooms,” the documents read.
A new 182m2 restaurant is proposed for the eastern end of the pier, offering million-dollar views of the eastern shore and Derwent River.
The exterior would also undergo a refresh, with the current walls being stripped back to the original concrete finish and upgrades done to the existing alfresco areas with new decks.
The Pier, which opened in 1934, last underwent a major redevelopment in the late 1990s to transform it into an iconic hospitality venue.
“The shed has undergone multiple minor tenancy refurbishments since then, but has had little base building improvements, consequently losing its initial standing as the key hospitality destination on the Hobart waterfront,” an architechial statement read.
“This proposal seeks to provide a major re-fresh for the venue, increasing the public amenity and hotel yield, whilst retaining and reinforcing the essential linear character of the shed structure.”
“A new pylon sign utilising recycled concrete wall segments at the city end of the building will enhance wayfinding for visitors, with timber seating … and strip lighting to the railway tracks along the pier apron all combining to … help to reinstate Elizabeth Street Pier as a premier hospitality destination in Hobart.”
The pier is currently home to multiple restaurants including Billy’s Burgers, Fish Frenzy and T42.
The full development application is available to view with the Hobart City Council until December 13.
