Council media release: Willow Court

Derwent Valley historic jewel ready for polishing


16 February 2018

Derwent Valley Council is seeking expressions of interest from entrepreneurs with a positive vision for developing the Council-owned sections of the historic Willow Court precinct, including Frascati House. The expression of interest process established by Council will identify potential investors with a creative vision for the site.

Willow Court forms the historically-significant centre of the Royal Derwent Hospital, the site of Australia’s longest continually-operated mental health facility. Derwent Valley Council took ownership of the precinct in the early 2000s. The original barracks building on the site pre-dates the architecture of Port Arthur.

An eclectic mix of building styles and configurations at the site lends itself to many appropriate uses.
Council has sold some of the peripheral built assets of the site, while retaining control of many of the significant heritage buildings.

Mayor of the Derwent Valley, Martyn Evans, said the Council is open to imaginative concepts which recognise the historic jewel at the centre of the precinct. “We’ll be open to considering sensitive expressions of interest for the site, which relate to the social heritage of Willow Court” Mayor Evans said. “Council will be looking for concepts which offer opportunities for new business initiatives to stimulate local economic activity.”
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Concept plans, master plans or similar for the site will also be considered as part of the expression of interest application process. Derwent Valley Council has established the expression of interest process, to be conducted in conjunction with a Tasmanian-based real estate sales and marketing provider, as a proactive and sensitive step to preserve, protect and promote Willow Court.

For more information on the expression of interest process, interested developers are invited to contact LJ Hooker Commercial in Hobart on 03 6238 4800.

Media queries contact:
Karen Gower Bradley
Communications Officer
M: 0477317777
E:kgower-bradley@dvc.tas.gov.au
W: http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/dvcouncil