A new $5.3 million visitor centre has recently opened at the Woolmers Estate, Longford boasting two art galleries, a new gift shop, a  cafe, restaurant and multi-use function and conference space. 

The Nigel Peck Centre which opened on February 8, 2018, is intended to provide modern facilities for visitors as well as attractions to encourage the community to enjoy events and exhibitions that will run throughout the year. 

Nigel Peck, the great-great-grandson of Thomas Archer I, the original owner of Woolmers, was a strong financial backer for the facility but sadly passed away before its completion. 

He was described as a “great man and philanthropist” by friend and Woolmers chairman Peter Rae. 

It was Nigel’s vision to create the visitor centre with hopes to increase the earning capacity of Woolmers in order to preserve the history for future generations.

Mr Rae said that maintaining the heritage site was an expensive endeavour.

“What we have tried to do is blend the modern with the old, hosting events that will attract people to both the heritage site and the more modern events that might be held in the new building so that we can reinvest that money in maintaining the old,” he said. 

“The world-heritage site has been given a new base to be able to continue its existence.”

Mr Rae said that the design and location of the new visitor's centre was a priority from the start. Wanting to transform the site while complementing its historic significance.

“We wanted it to look out over the view of the rose garden but we didn’t want it to overwhelm the site,” he said. 

“The centre has been very cleverly designed and it doesn’t impose on the surroundings, which was very important.

The centre is currently hosting two exhibitions. 

The work of convict artists is highlighted in the Frances Mary Archer Gallery, while an antique toy display can be seen in the Nigel Peck Long Gallery. 

"What we want to do is tell the story of the combination between convict and free settlers," Mr Rae said.

"How they developed Tasmania, how they brought civilisation to Tasmania in a sense of artwork and artistic contribution."

The Nigel Peck centre is now open, further information can be found at: www.woolmers.com.au