HELEN BURNET
The Greens at Town Hall today welcomed the National Trust position of listing two significant Hobart buildings at risk of neglect on the “At Risk” National register.
Greens Alderman Helen Burnet believes that both Holy Trinity Church and the Georgian period Macquarie House really need to be considered endangered if there is no action on their protection.
Time is running out for restoration of the exterior of the church, now in the ownership of the Greek Orthodox Church. The sandstone is vulnerable to weathering, giving a café au lait effect particularly to the north-facing aspect of the bell tower.
Ald Burnet stated:
“Holy Trinity has been in the geographic and metaphoric landscape of Hobartians since the time of early settlement. It features in the paintings of old and continues to be a landmark as one enters Hobart from the north.
“A change of ownership has meant that the new owners now have a responsibility to ensure the delamination of the building’s exterior gets no worse.
“The Council invested in a Conservation Management Plan which gives a sensible way forward to begin this restoration.
“I have written to the Lord Mayor requesting the Council ask of the new owners their plans as to how they might begin that process.”
The Council also voted unanimously to ensure that Macquarie House was protected from the latest development travesty of a large office block looming above both it and Birch’s Cottage which sits behind the main 3-storey building. Council’s position has been appealed and is currently with the Tribunal.
“I would hope that this latest spotlight on 2 of the city’s most recognised and loved buildings provides the opportunity to act on their protection, survival and important place in Hobart’s future.”
Helen Burnet
Greens Alderman, Hobart City Council
Town Hall, Macquarie St Hobart
