The site of the historic Brunswick Hotel in Hobart has been listed for sale, marking a significant development opportunity in the city’s Central Business District. This comes more than four years after a catastrophic fire in July 2021 destroyed the landmark, leaving only its heritage facade intact.
Located at 67–69 Liverpool Street and 54 Bathurst Street, the 2,041-square-metre site is now considered the most substantial development opportunity in Hobart’s CBD in nearly two decades. The fire, which was later deemed accidental, saw over 30 firefighters battle the blaze as guests were evacuated through second-storey windows. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
A Storied Past and a New Future
The Brunswick Hotel’s origins date back to 1827 when it opened as an illegal grog shop known as the Brunswick Wine Vaults. It received its first official liquor licence in 1831, making it Australia’s second-oldest continuously licensed hotel before the devastating fire. The building had already survived a major fire in 1926, which led to significant reconstruction, including the Liverpool Street facade that still stands today.
Initially, the owners expressed intentions to rebuild the hotel after the 2021 fire. However, the site has since been consolidated with adjoining properties and is now listed for sale, offering a unique opportunity for redevelopment.
Development Potential
According to Ray White Commercial Tasmania partner Hayden Peck, the property offers the potential for a building up to 60 metres tall with approximately 34,000 square metres of floor space. “Opportunities of this scale, in this location, with this level of preparatory work already completed, simply do not come around in Hobart,” Peck told Real Commercial.
“It presents investors and developers with a rare chance to shape the next chapter of the city’s skyline,” Peck added.
Due diligence for a hotel development of more than 250 rooms has already been completed, making the site an attractive proposition for investors. The property is also strategically located just 900 metres from the approved Macquarie Point stadium, adding to its appeal.
Implications for Hobart’s Growth
This offering arrives at a pivotal moment for Hobart, as the city continues to evolve into a nationally and internationally recognised destination for tourism, events, and business. Developments of genuine scale, like the potential project at the Brunswick Hotel site, will play a critical role in shaping Hobart’s future.
Peck emphasized the importance of such developments, stating, “As the city continues to evolve, developments of genuine scale will play a critical role in shaping its future.”
“This offering arrives at a pivotal moment for Hobart,” Peck said. “As the city continues to evolve into a nationally and internationally recognised destination for tourism, events and business, developments of genuine scale will play a critical role in shaping its future.”
As Hobart looks towards the future, the sale and potential redevelopment of the Brunswick Hotel site symbolize a new chapter in the city’s ongoing growth and transformation. The outcome of this sale could significantly influence Hobart’s skyline and economic landscape in the years to come.
