Parliament Square

Six heritage buildings have been refurbished providing a boutique hotel, as well as restaurants and al fresco dining together with a new public square that afford views to Constitution Dock, and will create a feature outdoor dining, galleries and performance spaces.

A series of significant heritage buildings from the 19th and 20th Centuries bound the western edges of the site, and have over the years housed a rich history of functions. Some low quality and unsympathetic additions have congested the site over time and limited public access and enjoyment.

An 1880s sandstone retaining wall also splits the site north to south, with the works carefully designed to reveal portions to expose the relic in situ and increase interpretation of the site.

The public outdoor space created by these buildings will be anchored by their historical context, focussing attention on the special views and panoramic outlook onto the River Derwent beyond.

Parliament Square offers a central public space that works as a platform placed on the side of the hill, affording outlook over Sullivan’s Cove and offering a level space for community gathering and events. The central open space is supported by a series of intimate spaces that offer opportunity for a variety of outdoor experiences and facilities whilst creating a harmonious and unified precinct with a strong sense of identity and social inclusion.

The proposal maintains a contemporary urban environment with active edges interfacing with the Hotel and Salamanca Office Building and presents opportunities for pedestrians to experience places to move through, move to, or simply enjoy the site. Key vantage points to observe views across Sullivans Cove and Derwent River will be retained and augmented by the new retail facilities.

Strong visual connections across the site are enhanced by strategically placed and carefully detailed landscape elements drawing persons into the site and guiding the eye. The new retail facilities, hotel outdoors seating, show kitchen in the Red Brick Building will contribute to activation at the edges of the plaza. A kiosk structure at the eastern edge will take advantage of the views of Sullivans Cove and will extend the activated perimeter of the plaza. The associated outdoor seating and landscaping will enliven the plaza space and provide increased activity.

Explore the landscape of Parliament Square.

Read more in Insights: Open House Hobart 2026: inside Lumina at Parliament Square; LUMINA opens at The Tasman, Parliament Square; Parliament Square Hobart wins the John Lee Archer Triennial Prize.