“There is probably no other period to which contemporary architecture is more indebted than the 1960s – a period of structural invention that finally allowed modern architecture to break free from the formalist geometries through which it had manifested itself. In the context of architecture’s present quest for the iconic, the 60s experiments form a rich reservoir of precedents. It is unfortunate that the 1960s is a period now threatened with extensive demolition.” – Rem Koolhaas, the internationally renowned Dutch architect
“The proposed destruction of the State Offices building at 10 Murray Street Hobart fills one with a sense of dismay and foreboding as to what may happen to our city in the future.”
– Stephen Walker, AM, Tasmanian sculptor
HOBART – 15 FEBRUARY, 2011. Lobby group Save 10 Murray has reacted with disappointment on being informed today that its appeal against the ‘Parliament Square’ redevelopment has been rejected by the Resources Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal.
The group appealed the Sullivan Cove Waterfront Authority and Tasmanian Heritage Council’s approval of the redevelopment on the grounds that a culturally and architecturally significant building, the iconic 10 Murray Street, is to be demolished under the scheme.
“This is a sad day for Hobart and for the whole of Tasmania,” says Save 10 Murray spokesperson Briony Kidd. “We made a strong argument that the development should not be allowed in its current form, and we’re extremely disappointed with the outcome.
“Needless to say, we feel that the decision is incorrect. It seems in conflict to the intent of the planning scheme in listing the site as a place of cultural significance.
SIMPLY EMBARRASSING
“On a personal level, I feel that allowing two of our iconic buildings to be demolished is a big mistake. It’s something we’re going to look back on in 10 or 20 years time and be really embarrassed about,” says Ms Kidd.
Save 10 Murray also objected to the demolition of the heritage-listed building at 2-4 Salamanca, an art deco style 1950s building that formerly housed the Government Printer. The group argued that the building should be retained, at least in part, as a rare example of its kind.
In addition, Save 10 Murray’s case objected to the design of the building that will replace 10 Murray Street, arguing that it has an inappropriate relationship to Parliament House.
VALUE FOR MONEY?
“Questions also need to be asked about the economic viability of the enterprise. The Tasmanian Government has sold its prime real estate for $7.5 million, and just what is the return?
“In fact, the Government now has to spend a further $25 million in fitting out the new office building, which will be leased back from the developer. And around $450,000 was spent on refurbishment of 10 Murray Street itself just last year.
“Does this really represent value for money for the Tasmanian taxpayer?”
BROADER CONTEXT
The State Offices at 10 Murray Street is one of five surviving state office blocks of the era throughout Australia.
The Sydney State Office Block was demolished in 1998, a decision that’s since been widely condemned by the architectural community.
The State Offices at 10 Murray Street is considered by many to be a striking example of 1960s modernism, representative of the spirit of boldness and optimism felt in Hobart at the time of its construction.
TASMANIAN ARCHITECTURE MALIGNED
Designed by two of Tasmania’s foremost architects, Dirk Bolt and David Hartley Wilson, it’s seen by some experts as an attempt to find a genuinely ‘Tasmanian’ style. For example, an effort was made to use local materials and relate to the specific context in which the building was to be placed.
A key point made during the appeal was that none of the experts advocating for the demolition of 10 Murray Street are Tasmanian.
“The persons who say this building is of such low significance it should be knocked down did not study here, do not practise here and have not spent much time here,” said Save 10 Murray’s lawyer, Mr Shaun McElwaine.
“It is an important building in the Tasmanian context, although it is maligned by some.”
“10 Murray Street may not be the best example of a high-rise building in the world, but it’s the best example that we have here, in this state,” says Ms Kidd.
“It’s worrying that we are so willing to dispose of our cultural assets, simply because we are told by outsiders that they are not worth protecting.”
A NEW GENERATION
“I can tell you from personal experience that there are many Tasmanians, young and old, who feel that 10 Murray Street is of significance and they will be very sorry to see it go.
“Throughout our campaign that we’ve had a huge amount of support from younger people particularly, people in their twenties and thirties, who have a real appreciation for 1960s architecture.
“We’ve had support from artists, architects, filmmakers, writers, students, and from people who remember working in 10 Murray Street or have fond memories of the building.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
“Even people who don’t particularly care about modern heritage, or don’t have a fondness for the building itself, understand that it doesn’t make much sense to demolish a sound and still functional building in order to construct a new building of a similar size.
“When you have a building that’s culturally valuable to a community, that’s still in good condition, adaptive re-use is the only responsible course.
“We should be thinking not only about the waste of embodied energy and resources but also the environmental impact of unnecessary demolition and construction.
“The concrete will not be recycled, but will be dumped into landfill.
“The truth is that 10 Murray Street is a prime candidate for retrofitting and that’s what should be happening here.”
Save 10 Murray is considering its options for further legal proceedings.
