Town planning and demolition work at In The Hanging Gardens in nipaluna / Hobart are underway, marking the commencement of Stage 1 works on the CBD precinct as plans for the city’s cultural revitalisation progresses.

Motivated by a shared aspiration to leave a lasting and impactful legacy, Riverlee and DarkLab’s vision for In The Hanging Garden represents an opportunity to galvanise the city’s social and cultural hub, environmental initiatives and the overall economy.

Complementing the broader Masterplan precinct vision, the four-year collaborative venture with DarkLab encompasses nearly an entire city block in the heart of Hobart. This first stage will include a newly designed entrance to In The Hanging Garden, establishing a pedestrian link connecting Watchorn Street to Murray Street that will increase accessibility and patronage into Hobart’s city Centre.

“We have a deep understanding of the block and the site’s long history. With the precinct masterplan in mind, and considerations to future staging and existing operational venues, we carefully and purposefully explored multiple design iterations to ensure the streetscape and local character of Hobart could be protected,” says David Lee, Riverlee development director.

Central to Riverlee and DarkLab’s vision for the cultural revitalisation of Hobart is an authentic celebration of the site’s heritage. Further regenerative works planned in later stages involve the preservation of The Odeon Theatre, Tattersalls Hotel, and Wellington House.

The commencement of town planning applications and demolition works also signal the development of an innovative workplace hub on the corner site of Bathurst and Watchorn Streets, intended to attract new and support existing small businesses to the area.

The mixed-use commercial building is delivered as a joint venture with Quintessential Equity, and designed by the renowned Fender Katsalidis, the architects responsible for MONA and supported by 6 Degrees, the architects for the In The Hanging Garden precinct masterplan.

Riverlee’s ongoing, 20-year planned investment into the City of Hobart will follow four years of close consultation between Riverlee, DarkLab, the City of Hobart and local members of the community, aligning with urban renewal goals envisioned by the Central Hobart Precinct Plan.

The success of In The Hanging Garden is also owed to the engagement and support of the immediate and broader Hobart community, with early discussions and ongoing engagement with the people who live and work nearby a key priority for Riverlee.

“It takes a lot of time, planning and patience, but we enjoy it, and our projects are always better off because of it, because they are shaped by the communities that we are working in,” says Lee.

“Our masterplan is ever-changing and adapting to reflect the needs and interests of the city, and we will continue to listen to the community as we progress. This is an ambitious vision for a new urban neighbourhood, so we want to get the mix right.”

Later stages will see the streetscapes further amplified with a series of hospitality and live music venues, tiered gardens, communal areas and commercial spaces all interconnected via a network of intimate and vibrant laneways.

Together, our continued work on In The Hanging Garden will activate the existing site with diverse food, music, community, and commerce offerings, while strengthening the connection within the CBD.

Learn more from the In The Hanging Garden precinct placebook here.