Observations on the latest grand architectural vision for Hobart’s future, the Macquarie Point Masterplan concept ( HERE ), dubbed “Old ground, New Territory”. Boldness be thy buildings in design would be the theme for the massive conglomeration of buildings envisaged – and my veteran (but still roving) eye spotted something that appeared to be a business plug.
Examine the plan closely and you will see the name “Fiorello” appearing not once but four times on buildings, two almost alongside each other, the others elsewhere with part of the name peeping out. I could see no other business name on the plan.
I scratched the old silver thatch wondering where I’d seen Fiorello before. Perhaps some other devotee of this website can enlighten me. Perchance there’s a simple explanation. At first I thought it might relate to the design team, but an examination of the masterplan website didn’t yield any such name.
Perhaps there will be a place selling fine Italian footwear. Or high-fashion Italian clothing for discriminating locals hoping for an appearance in the Mercury social photos. Or, more likely, the dispensing of Italian cuisine.
I enlisted the help of old friend Google, and found the Café Fiorello on Broadway in New York “an Italian institution at the Lincoln Center”. Expanding horizons and heading this way? There’s also a Fiorello’s in Perth (Western Australia that is, not Tassie).
Stretching the thinking further – and it’s a big stretch – there’s another recognition factor. Our fine classical singer, baritone Michael Lampard, appearing late this month and also in July in Melbourne with the Melbourne Opera in its production of Rossini’s Barber of Seville – as Fiorello!
Another observation of the masterplan: the cycling lobby (which seems to be having quite a say these days) should be well pleased with what has been presented. On what is described as the Memorial Walk, a pathway leading from the Escarpment Park to the Cenotaph, seven cyclists are depicted, and another is nearby. There are four more off the Goods Shed Park. The plan may turn out a wheelie good thing for the cycling brigade.
• Check out the plan HERE
MEANWHILE …
• ABC: Hobart City Council decides against Supreme Court appeal for foreshore boardwalk
• ABC: Heritage Tasmania expert David Scott resigns blaming political interference
• Vica Bayley: World Heritage delegation departs to raise voice for natural and cultural values
