A development application has been lodged by Hobart-based architects HBV that details the plans for the $3 million redevelopment. The plans became publicly available on Saturday.

Macquarie House is being developed as part of the City of Launceston’s innovation hub project that aims to transform the historic building in Civic Square into a flexible working hub for free-lance professionals or start-up companies.

“The proposal includes restoration, reinstatement works and refurbishment of the original 1830s four-story Macquarie House building,” the development application read.

The proposed works include demolition of the 1980s amenities building located on the northern side of the building and the construction of a new four-story building to house amenities and services on the same site.

“The arrangement of the main building frontage to Civic Square will remain unchanged, however, it is proposed to relocate the stair access to the lower level courtyard area to a more visually prominent location and to construct ramped access to a new amenity building at the rear.”

The full plans and documents for the proposed development is available from the City of Launceston website and will stay there until March 14. 

After the advertising process the development will progress to a council meeting to be considered by the aldermen.

The project is being funded by the federal government.