Admiring the iconic Treasury building's facade, Sandy Bay's Julia Grieve reckons it would be an ideal location for a hotel. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN
HOBART could tap into extra tourist dollars by transforming the historic Treasury building into a luxury hotel.
Several developers have expressed an interest in turning the iconic building into a five-star accommodation venue.
The Mercury understands that developers and hotel chains have considered the site, now housing offices for public servants including Tourism Minister Scott Bacon.
And a Government spokesman yesterday confirmed "the door is always open" to developers wanting to invest in Tasmania.
Bounded by Macquarie, Davey and Murray streets and backing on to Franklin Square, the imposing sandstone Treasury building occupies half a block of Hobart's prime real estate.
With the construction of new office space for key public servants at Parliament Square about to offer modern facilities for Treasury staff, the site may end up being surplus.
Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said it was a prime location for a 4 1/2 or five-star hotel.
"It's an ideal opportunity. It's got heritage value, a central location, it's a standalone building, close to the city and the waterfront," Mr Martin said.
He said developers should be offered support.
A government spokesman confirmed there had been expressions of interest in the Treasury building.
"The Government's door is always open to opportunities that create jobs and investment in Tasmania," he said.
"At various times in the state's history there has been commercial interest in the Treasury building, as there is in many government buildings. At this stage there is no proposal for the sale."
Julia Grieve, 18, of Sandy Bay, said it would be an ideal spot for a new hotel.
"It's really central and I think my family and friends living interstate or overseas would love the heritage aspects of the building," she said.
But Tasmanian Hospitality Association general manager Steve Old questioned whether there was room for another quality hotel.
"I've never heard anyone talk about a lack of quality accommodation in Hobart," he said. "We've got some great venues like the Islington, Lenna and the new Wharf Hotel."
Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide have all turned their old Treasury buildings into hotels.
Liberal spokesman Peter Gutwein said he was concerned the potential offloading of the building was a metaphor for the Government's financial management.
"It says it all that the Premier has wrecked the Budget to such an extent she has to sell the Treasury building itself to try to plug her budget black hole," he said.
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