Heritage Tasmanian store to be revamped

Plans to transform the site of the heritage-listed Morris General Store in Swansea, Tasmania, into a mixed-use residential and commercial development have been submitted.

Led by DKO Architecture and Lovell Chen, the redevelopment would involve a partial demolition and refurbishment of the existing buildings at 13-15 Franklin Street for commercial use, construction of two new hospitality buildings and five dwellings.

A cafe or restaurant, wine bar, two retail spaces and five townhouses with two car spaces each, plus public parking have been proposed for the site. Townhouse typologies range from two to three-bedroom, single and double-storey dwellings, each with their own view or Oyster Bay.

Plans depict stone, light coloured concrete, textured concrete, timber batten, charcoal metal, dark grey glass and clear glass materials being used for the facade of the buildings.

According to the heritage assessment contained within the application, the Morris General Store circa 1840, is a "significant landmark element in the urban townscape" with special ties to the community. The report states proposed works on the building are predominantly limited to conservation efforts and the stabilization of upper levels with the design process having "taken into account the identified heritage values of the subject site and has developed a proposed design that gives consideration to significant view lines, to the landmark qualities of the subject building and to the Franklin Street streetscape."

The construction of a glazed link has been proposed to connect the Morris General Store to the double-storey hospitality establishment, in a move that would provide inclusive access to upper levels of both buildings. Design choices for the connected hospitality building reflect a desire to ensure that it blends well within the streetscape and does not compete with the aesthetic of the historic general store.

The Morris at Swansea lodged the development application, which is on exhibition until October 5.