Parliament Square, Hobart facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Parliament Square
Artist's impression of the Parliament Square Development
Type	Public space
Location	Hobart, Australia
Area	7,322 m2 (78,810 sq ft)
Operated by	Citta Property Group
Status	Under construction

Parliament Square is a historic city block, located directly behind the Tasmanian Parliament House in Hobart, Tasmania. It is presently under redevelopment, and upon completion will include Marriot International hotel, seven retail spaces, state government office building and plaza.

The block is bound by Davey Street to the north, Murray Street to the east, Salamanca Place to the west and Parliament House to the south. The block has an approximate area of 7,322 m².

History

Parliament Square consists primarily of former government buildings, such as the former St Mary's hospital, the Red Brick Building, the Government Printing Office, Parliamentary annexes, two low-rise public service office buildings (including 10 Murray Street), and the former PABX building, containing the Tasmanian government phone switchboards. Over time, the state government used less of these buildings and by 2018, they were mostly unoccupied.

Redevelopment

In April 2009 the Tasmanian Government shortlisted three proposals for the redevelopment of the area.

The Government announced Citta Property Group as the preferred company to undertake the project. Citta planned to give the area a Federation Square feel with the demolition of the State Offices at 10 Murray Street and the opening up of the Murray Street side. The plan included upgrading and maintaining the older Davey Street facing buildings, as well as building a new seven-storey building facing Salamanca Place. There were also plans for shops, cafes and an amphitheatre with a large screen for public events.

Of the three shortlisted proposals, one design would have retained and retrofitted the modernist building at 10 Murray Street, whilst the two other plans required demolition of the building.