Site Readied for New Female Factory History & Interpretation Centre

Media release – Port Arthur Historic Sites Management Authority, 12 July 2021

Work commenced on creating new Cascades Female Factory History & Interpretation Centre

The heritage and tourism offering of South Hobart will soon be enhanced as the previous visitor and staff facilities at the Cascades Female Factory have been demolished to make way for a new History and Interpretation Centre.  This follows a recommendation from the World Heritage Committee at the time of the 2010 Australian Convict Sites listing (which includes the Cascades Female Factory) that the fish processing factory built in the 1980s be removed.

Under the watchful eye of PAHSMA’s archaeology team, the factory was successfully demolished by building contractors, Hansen Yunken and demolition experts Reardon Demolition.

Dr. David Roe, PAHSMA Archaeology Manager, said: “We worked collaboratively with Hansen Yuncken to develop a method of demolition that would minimise any prospect of damage to convict-era structures whether above or below ground. The machine operator noted wryly that the method was a ‘little less violent than usual’ – but it worked brilliantly.  When the final piece of slab was lifted out no damage had been done and there was nothing for us to do in the way of remedial work.”

The new History and Interpretation Centre will enhance engagement with visitors and heighten emotional connection through advanced interpretation, technology, exhibition and educational experiences of the place, its history, and the significance of convict women and their children for Tasmania and Australia.

Newly appointed PAHSMA CEO, Jonathan Fisher, said: “We are excited at the potential of the new History and Interpretation Centre to present a significant new initiative in the heritage and tourism sector within Tasmania, and in Hobart. The opportunity for innovative technology and interpretation to be introduced by our new Director Interpretation and Experience, Emily Kocaj, will showcase both the site and its stories in a truly engaging way.  None of this would have been possible without the generous financial support of both the Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments.”  PAHSMA received $3 million grant funding from the Tasmanian Government and just over $2 million from the Commonwealth.

With demolition now complete, the next stage of construction will commence, with the new Cascades Female Factory History and Interpretation Centre due to be open in December 2021, pending no construction delays.

Updates on the project can be found at femalefactory.org.au website and on the Cascades Female Factory Facebook page.