The news story below featured in The Examiner newspaper regarding the blocking of an Architectural award of the Brutalist period Government Office Tower block in Hobart. My letter to the editor that was published as a response to the story is also below.
The Examiner, 7 May 2010
by Zoe Edwards
Tasmania’s Treasurer has blocked the nomination of Hobart’s 10 Murray Street’s government office building for an architectural award. The 1960s, 14-storey building is one of two buildings in Parliament Square set to be demolished to make way for a multi-million dollar redevelopment. Briony Kidd — the head of Save 10 Murray lobby group, which has launched an appeal against the demolitions — nominated the building for an Australian Institute of Architects 25 Year Award for enduring architecture. But Treasurer Michael Aird has stopped the nomination, which needs permission from treasury — the building’s owner — in order to go ahead. Mr Aird said it was inappropriate for the building to be nominated. “The timing of this proposal for an award has to be questioned,” he said. Ms Kidd said the building was more than deserving of the award. It is one of the best modern buildings in Tasmania,” she said. The building is nominated for listing of the Tasmanian heritage register as a building of architectural significance. Its demolition — estimated to cost $8 million — will make way for a green office block, which will look on to a grassed public space and an amphitheatre. “The exciting Parliament Square development is progressing through all established planning and development processes,” Mr Aird said. “The matter is currently before the independent Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal and it would be inappropriate to take any action at this time.”
Response:
10 Murray Street
Saturday, 8 May 2010
I question Treasurer Michael Aird's decision to block the nomination of the 10 Murray Street State Government offices (The Examiner, May 7). How can a decision be made to rest in the hands of just one person? Surely there needs to be broader discussions with heritage consultants, architects, interest groups and the general public before blocking nominations of the 10 Murray Street building? Simply blocking the nomination without justification stifles democratic process and citizens' rights to voice their concerns. I ask Mr Aird, what are the reasons for blocking this nomination?
- THOMAS RYAN
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