The Premier of Tasmania is inviting "bold, transformational ideas" for the repurposing of the Treasury Building Complex in Hobart, for which a Registration of Interest (ROI) process has been recently launched.

Treasurer Guy Barnett said the repurposing of the Treasury Complex presents a unique opportunity in the heart of Hobart.

"We have seen the amazing development at Parliament Square and the Tasman, which has not only preserved the heritage characteristics of the buildings but is now home to […] hospitality offerings, accessible to Tasmanians and visitors to enjoy.

"It is time that the [Treasury Complex] buildings were brought back to life, creating a new space for us all to discover," Barnett said.

The Treasury Complex, which was constructed between 1824 and 1957, comprises eight interconnected and adjoining civic buildings that are registered on the Tasmanian Heritage Register. The complex has a floor area of more than 8,200 square metres and a net lettable area of just under 5,100 square metres. It is currently under the custodianship of the Department of Treasury and Finance.

A release from the Treasurer's office notes that the complex "is ripe for a suitable development which can stimulate investment, growth and confidence in the state right throughout the design, construction and operational stages as well as create more jobs and economic activity within Southern Tasmania."

An Expressions of Interest (EOI) process for the complex was first initiated in 2018, however the attempt was abandoned due to the shifting government priorities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The newly launched ROI process is the first stage of three stages of work to be undertaken. For this stage, interested proponents as well as community members are invited to share their vision for the complex.

According to the Treasury Complex website, "proponents are encouraged to suggest innovative delivery models and imaginative future uses. […] This could include, but is not limited to, leasing, selling, refurbishing or repurposing the complex."

The Tasmanian government notes that visions to repurpose the complex should:

The premier's office anticipates that the ROI will be followed by an EOI phase and then an invitation to tender towards the end of 2025.

The Treasury Complex website notes that the Department of Treasury and Finance "will review proponents' proposals for their capabilities to deliver a project such as this, how closely the proposals meet the vision and objectives for the site; and to what extent the future uses proposed are commercially sustainable."

More information on the project and the steps to undertake the ROI process can be found online.