An adult education provider has developed a proposal that will keep the historic former Macquarie Street State School in South Hobart as an education facility and also serve the needs of the local community.
The Tasmanauts Adult Education Centre has reached a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the South Hobart Progress Association and will put in a tender for the building, proposing to use it as an adult education centre, small business and non-profit support facility and community centre.
The State Government sell-off of the Henry Hunter-designed sandstone building has angered the local community. The Progress Association received well over 700 signatures to its Petition opposing the sale which was presented to Parliament earlier this year by Elise Archer.
Under the MOU, the building would be available to the Progress Association on a monthly basis free of charge and meeting rooms would be available to community organisations at a discount rate.
The arrangement has been facilitated by Independent candidate for Lord Mayor Alderman Damon Thomas who is supporting the South Hobart Progress Association and brought the parties together in an effort to secure a positive social, business and community outcome.
Alderman Thomas said a successful Tasmanauts Adult Education Centre tender would see the building’s heritage protected and the site continue as an education and community centre.
“The proposal includes the development of members’ club rooms and facilities, bookable meeting rooms, common indoor and outdoor areas as well as sub-leased space,” Alderman Thomas said.
“The Centre will make an area available for a community garden and facilitate a regular weekend fair on the site, as well as the annual South Hobart Community Festival.
“Under the MOU, the South Hobart Progress Association is supporting the Tasmanauts Adult Education Centre tender for the property.”
Alderman Thomas urged the State Government to accept the tender which would ensure the protection of the historic building and surrounds, and also maintain it as a community facility.
“This is a win-win-win outcome. The State Government will get its sell-off, but the site will be maintained and continue as an education facility, and will remain available for the local community.
“I urge the Education Minister, Nick McKim, and the State Government to respond to the wishes of the community by accepting what is a very good result,” Alderman Thomas said.
• Earlier on Tasmanian Times: Billy MacTold: Missing in South Hobart
