Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Update on Hobart's abandoned aquatic house
When I wrote a story on Hobart's Douglas Plaister Aquatic House nearly two years it was earmarked for redevelopment into apartments and shops.
Damien Peck, a Hobart-based photographer reports there has been no progress with the redevelopment. The centre remains in a state of disrepair as it has been since it was closed more than 10 years ago. Damien recently spent a couple of hours taking photos at the aquatic house, which you can check out on his Facebook page or on flickr.
Opened in 1938, the two-pool complex was originally called the Hobart Tepid Baths. In 1991 it was renamed after Douglas Plaister, who ran the swimming program at the pool and lived on site for a period of time. He was also Mayor of Hobart from 1976 to 1984. For many years the Department of Education conducted its swimming program at the pool and thousands of Tasmanians learnt to swim there.
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How sad. Damien Peck's photos on flickr tell a sad story as well. Well done for telling the story Therese. Your blog is looking great!
ReplyDeleteThanks Trude. Yes it's been like that for about 12 years now - will go and check it out again when we are down there later in the year.
ReplyDeleteDrove past there this morning, big crane in place...does anyone know what is planned for it?
ReplyDeleteHi Helen, I contacted Hobart City Council about a month ago and they informed me that on 12 December 2011 the council approved a DA for partial demolition of the Douglas Plaister Aquatic House, new offices and flats. However they said there appeared to be no progress on that development since then. However, your sighting of the big crane this week may mean that something is starting to happen. The council said for any enquiries regarding the retention of the building and elements of the former swimming pool to contact the Council's Senior Cultural Heritage Officer, Brendan Lennard. Hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteHey Therese, I got in to the pool a bit last week (all to the unwelcoming surprise of the council workers at 5.45am!) and got a look. The pool has been drained, and there was indeed a crane out the front. I have some pics that I took (I haven't had a chance to upload them anywhere yet). I put a few up on my photography page though from the night time.
DeleteJust an update anyway. Such a sad way for it to end. I'm in love with the place.
It is Damo! They must have finally got moving on the redevelopment. I dropped by there in October and there was no action in terms of building work. But it appears that in recent weeks things have started to move. The draining of the pool sadly marks the end I think. Love to see your photos and will link to them. Keep me posted.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=222843967849649&set=pb.148653305268716.-2207520000.1354801244&type=3&src=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2F703784_222843967849649_310199513_o.jpg&smallsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash3%2F542819_222843967849649_310199513_n.jpg&size=999%2C666
DeleteSorry for the long links!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=228264953974217&set=a.181944638606249.43059.148653305268716&type=1&theater
Last one of a couple of my mates being silly in the drainage.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=224609584339754&set=pb.148653305268716.-2207520000.1354801244&type=3&src=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash3%2F704325_224609584339754_1333793266_o.jpg&smallsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash3%2F526810_224609584339754_1333793266_n.jpg&size=999%2C666
Has it been knocked down yet? Please reply.
ReplyDeleteIt's still there!
DeleteNot sure for how much longer. There doesn't seem to be much information lately (hopefully a good thing).
I'm not sure Jessie as I am not in Hobart. Are you? I will make some enquiries and find out. Cheers T
ReplyDeleteIt's still there Therese! :)
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