Parliament Square, Hobart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parliament Square |
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Artist's impression of the Parliament Square Development
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| Type | Public space |
| Location |  Hobart, Australia |
| Area | 7,322 m2 (78,810 sq ft) |
| Operated by | Citta Property Group |
| Status | Under construction |
Parliament Square is a special area in Hobart, Tasmania, right behind the Tasmanian Parliament House. This historic city block has been transformed into a vibrant public space. It now features a hotel, shops, government offices, and a lively plaza.
The square covers about 7,322 square meters. It is surrounded by Davey Street to the north, Murray Street to the east, Salamanca Place to the west, and Parliament House to the south.
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What is Parliament Square?
Parliament Square is a modern public area in Hobart. It combines old buildings with new designs. It offers a place for people to gather, shop, and enjoy the city.
A Place for Everyone
The square includes a hotel, several retail stores, and a building for state government offices. The main feature is a large plaza. This plaza is a great spot for public events and for people to relax.
History of Parliament Square
Before its transformation, Parliament Square was home to many government buildings. These buildings had important roles in Tasmania's history.
Old Government Buildings
Some of the buildings once located here included:
- The former St Mary's hospital
- The Red Brick Building
- The Government Printing Office
- Offices for public services, like the one at 10 Murray Street
- The old PABX building, which held the government's phone switchboards
Over time, the government used these buildings less and less. By 2018, most of them were empty.
The Redevelopment Project
The idea to redevelop Parliament Square began many years ago. The goal was to create a new public space while keeping some of the area's history.
Planning the New Square
In April 2009, the Tasmanian Government looked at different ideas for the area. They chose Citta Property Group to lead the project. The plan was to create a space similar to Federation Square in Melbourne.
What the Plan Included
The redevelopment plan involved several key changes:
- Upgrading and keeping the older buildings that face Davey Street.
- Building a new seven-story building facing Salamanca Place.
- Adding shops, cafes, and an amphitheatre for public events.
- Opening up the Murray Street side of the block.
One of the proposals suggested keeping the modern building at 10 Murray Street. However, the chosen plan involved taking down this building to create more open space.
