Tasmania

Place: Sullivan’s Cove - Hobart
Threat: Inappropriate Re-development

Significance of Place

Sullivan’s Cove is of state and national significance as the place of first official permanent European settlement in Van Diemans Land. The Cove, incorporating the convict reclaimed land of Sullivans Cove , is the most intact 19th century trading port in Australia . Uniquely, it retains a high density of heritage sites within a continuing tradition of maritime activities.

The Cove reflects a layered history from many different periods of port and city structure. These phases of historical development are still readable features of the Cove today.

The amphitheatre-like setting of the Cove is Tasmania ’s most recognisable urban landscape. Its layered hills and valleys progressively build to the Wellington Range , identifying the natural urban scale and place of the city, the region and the state. This settling was continually commented upon by the early arrivals, whether they were free, convict or traveller.

Description of Threat

The best preserved of all Australia’s 19^th century trading ports is now under threat as its status changes from that of a working port to the cultural and civic focus of Hobart, and increasingly, to becoming the key tourist destination of Hobart.

While individual significant buildings located within Sullivan’s Cove are listed, neither the cove nor the convict-constructed floor of Sullivan’s Cove are protected, and so the heritage value of the precinct as a whole is gradually being eroded through insensitive development decisions.

Actual and planned changes threaten the integrity and historical legacy of this unique site.

Inappropriately scaled and contrived development has blocked significant vistas, intruded unsympathetic street furniture and signage into the precinct, and now is threatening the privatisation of public space. If allowed to continue, such developments will irreparably damage the still intact 19^th century layout and remaining views and perspectives of this significant historic precinct.

Action Required

Sullivan’s Cove (including Salamanca Place ) should be listed as a heritage precinct under the Historic Culture Heritage Act.

To ensure the significant historic and cultural values of the Cove will be protected, in any future development, a management authority representative of all key interests must be created. This authority should then determine an agreed vision of the future of the Cove, in consultation with the community, and establish an expert urban design panel to assess and ensure development approvals are integrated within the agreed planning framework, and are protective of designated values.