The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, will discuss today’s announcement of $1.65m in federal funding to purchase and convert the historic South Hobart Primary School into a community and cultural centre.
The Federal Regional Development Minister, Anthony Albanese, has confirmed the Federal Government will pay to refurbish and transfer ownership of the old South Hobart Primary School building from the State Government to the Hobart City Council. This will ensure the building remains a community asset for South Hobart.
“This beautiful Henry Hunter designed heritage building was at real risk of falling into disrepair or being snapped up by a corporate buyer,” Mr Wilkie said.
“The South Hobart community has long campaigned for the building to be saved and this announcement is a real victory for the community.”
Mr Wilkie took the proposal to the Prime Minister last year and has been working with Mr Albanese to achieve a consensus between the Federal Government, State Government and Hobart City Council.
“This was a difficult project to land and the fact that a deal was eventually struck is testimony to what can be accomplished when all tiers of government work together in a cooperative manner,” Mr Wilkie said.
“I’m absolutely delighted the Federal Government saw the value in this project and shares the vision for a vibrant community and cultural hub in the historic South Hobart school house.”
“This federal parliament has been good for Denison. Many hundreds of millions of extra federal money has flowed into the electorate, reversing decades of neglect.”
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denison
