A contemporary addition and redevelopment of Launceston’s historic Macquarie House was approved by the City of Launceston at its Monday meeting.
The design for the building in Civic Square will see a four-storey extension be separated from the original building by a narrow frameless glazed link to ensure that maximum areas of its façade remain exposed.
A number of internal changes are to be made to the heritage building, with the development set to create office spaces for a technology and innovation hub, complete with an onsite cafe.
Five representations were submitted and the proposed works were also accessed by the Tasmanian Heritage Council.
Alderman Janie Finlay said the opportunity to use a heritage building was the best way to preserve the historic value.
“To significantly develop a heritage building is a really postive outcome … almost all the matters that have been raised by the Heritage Protection Society are consistent with those raised by the Tasmanian Heritage Council,” she said.
“We should celebrate their involvement as representors in this process [and] respect that process because it is part of why so many structures in our community are still here.”
Launceston historian Gus Green spoke on the item, asking the council to consider exposing the foundations of the original building.
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity that we have to lower the line on the front of Macquarie House and expose the full foundations that a young Henry Reed put there in 1830,” he said.
“[The footpath] was put there on the occasion that the mall was created … [but] I think it’s a great opportunity we have to give Cameron Street the character of its time.”
General manager Robert Dobrzynski said a technical report would be prepared so the council was aware of the ramifications of the work required to grant Mr Green’s request.
Macquarie House was built for merchant, whaler, and bank director Henry Reed. The four-level sandstone brick building was constructed on a bluestone base and is one of Launceston's oldest buildings.
The federal government had committed $3 million to the project.
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