John Hart Conservatory set for facelift

Published on 11 October 2024

The City of Launceston will advertise a construction tender process for a major restoration of City Park's John Hart Conservatory building.

First opened in 1933 the John Hart Conservatory replaced a much older conservatory originally built in City Park in the mid-19th century.

The John Hart Conservatory was funded in part by a bequest from the estate of John Hart, who wished the money to be invested for the purposes of beautifying and improving the municipality.

While the John Hart Conservatory has become a popular fixture in City Park – with biannual displays created by the Council's Parks Operations crews — its construction during the economic depression of the early 1930s was not without controversy.

When the Council first considered awarding the tender for the construction of the building in 1932, Alderman H.C.L. Barber labelled the proposal a 'mad-brained scheme' and a 'miniature Crystal Palace'.

However, the project had strong support from the majority of Aldermen. At its official opening Mayor Allen Hollingsworth said: "This conservatory is the people's possession.

"It will form an additional attraction to tourists, and we all hope that it will be looked upon and preserved with the pride that it deserves. "Citizens of the future, we feel sure, will look with pride upon the John Hart Conservatory."

Some 90 years later, the City of Launceston will this weekend advertise a call for construction tenders for the restoration project. Mayor Matthew Garwood said the building had served the community well, but was now in need of renovation.

"The project will involve a wide range of repair and upgrade works to the building to give it a new lease on life, and to ensure it remains in great condition for another 90 years," Mayor Garwood said. "The works will include replacement of all glazing, remedial works to window frames, repainting of the building, the installation of a new lighting system, and replacement of all guttering.

"Our intention is to schedule these works for Autumn next year to limit any impacts during our peak tourism season.

"The John Hart Conservatory is an iconic building in Launceston's City Park, and it's exciting to see some significant investment planned to keep it in great condition for future generations."