Finalists announced in competition for a new History and Interpretation Centre at Female Factory

The Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (PAHSMA) has announced the shortlist for the final stage of the architectural design competition for a new History and Interpretation Centre for the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site in South Hobart.

The competition called for an architectural design that will celebrate the significance and values of the World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory and the contribution of convict women throughout the history of colonial Australia to the present day.

Chair of both the PAHSMA Board and jury for the competition, Professor Sharon Sullivan AO FAHA said:

“The Cascades Female Factory Historic Site is a Tasmanian Tourism award-winning experience and one of the 11 Australian Convict World Heritage Sites. It is absolutely critical that we maintain the remaining fabric of the historic site and that we interpret it the best way we can to ensure that the stories and contribution of these convict women are not lost, and that their achievements are understood. A new centre will allow visitors greater opportunities to engage with the multitude of stories and complex layered history that the site has to offer.”

The development of a new History and Interpretation Centre, as an exercise in design in a heritage context, will require a high level of design excellence and an investigation of a broad range of potential design solutions. Of the approximately 50 expressions of interest, around 20 were invited to put forward their designs and of these, the judges have selected four proposals from the following firms:
•WelshMajor (NSW)
•Hector Abrahams Architects with Neeson Murcutt (NSW)
•Aileen Sage Architects with Jean Rice Architects (NSW)
•Liminal Studio (TAS) with Snøhetta (International)

The jury comprises female leaders in architecture, heritage management, and the arts including Catherine Baudet (Director Ferrier Baudet Architects); Janet Carding (Director Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery); Justine Clark (architectural editor, speaker and researcher); Shelley Penn (Director Shelley Penn Architect); and Penelope Evatt Seidler AM (Director Harry Seidler and Associates).

The shortlisted firms will now further develop their proposals and present their final designs to the jury in October. The winning design is anticipated to be awarded in November later this year with a prize pool of $30,000.

The winning design will be one which best embodies the principles, objectives and philosophy of the project and engages with the extant fabric and heritage values of the site. The design will be the cornerstone of a $3 million dollar fundraising campaign led by high profile women, all of whom have been first in their fields, including the first female Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Julia Gillard AC; former Federal MP, the Hon Fran Bailey; former Premier of Tasmania, the Hon Lara Giddings MP; and Speaker of the Tasmanian House of Assembly, the Hon Elise Archer MP.
Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Marketing and Communications Manager