Andrew Wilkie: Important piece of South Hobart history saved

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has welcomed today’s confirmation of $1.65m in federal funding to purchase and convert the historic South Hobart Primary School into a community and cultural centre.

The building will remain a community asset for South Hobart because the Federal Government will pay to refurbish the heritage school building and transfer ownership from the State Government to the Hobart City Council.

“This beautiful Henry Hunter designed building was at real risk of falling into disrepair or being snapped up by a corporate buyer,” Mr Wilkie said. “South Hobart 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 then Prime Minister in 2012 and worked with the former Federal Government to achieve a consensus between the federal, state and local governments.

“The fact a deal was eventually struck is testimony to what can be accomplished when all tiers of government work together,’’ Mr Wilkie said. “I’m absolutely delighted the current 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.’’

Mr Wilkie took the opportunity to again pressure the Federal Government to invest the $16m grant previously earmarked for Cadbury in the Denison electorate.

“This money was as much about stimulating economic activity in a relatively disadvantaged part of the state as it was about one single project,’’ he said.

“The money should stay in the electorate as it was promised to this part of Tasmania because there was an identified need and this need still exists.’’
Andrew Wilkie, Independent Member for Denison