Christ College Chapel

In 1879 Christ College reopened on Macquarie Street, then shifted in 1885 to Hobart High School on the Domain under a seven‑year lease. Hopes of expanding into higher education didn’t quite take off, and for much of this time the college was simply one of several Hobart schools, alongside Hutchins and the Friends’ School. Evening classes gave students a taste of advanced study, but when the lease ended, the college closed its doors.

By 1892 the newly founded University of Tasmania had taken over the High School buildings, and Christ College shut down. Plans to fold it into the new university were blocked, with Presbyterian and Catholic voices wary of Anglican dominance in education.

The college found new life in 1911 as part of the Hutchins School on Macquarie Street. Its funds built a Christ College wing and bought the Holy Trinity Rectory in Park Street, which became a hostel for theology and other students.

In 1926 Parliament passed the Christ College Act, recognising the matriculation sections of Hutchins and Launceston Grammar as meeting the founders’ academic aims. One‑third of the college’s assets were divided between them.

A turning point came in 1933 when Christ College formally affiliated with the University of Tasmania, becoming its first residential college. It moved with the university to Sandy Bay in the 1960s, and by 1971 a new building was ready. That same year it became the first Tasmanian college to welcome both men and women.

Another milestone arrived in December 1991, when ownership and management passed to the University of Tasmania under an agreement with the Bishop, the Board of Management, and the Christ College Trust. This safeguarded its Anglican traditions while ensuring continuity. In 1996 the college celebrated its 150th anniversary, firmly established on the Sandy Bay campus.

Administration shifted to Accommodation Services in 2003, and by 2025 Christ College was enjoying a revival—marked by record student involvement, a lively community spirit, and strong achievements in sport.

A timeline is avaiable on Christ College website: https://www.christcollegehobart.com/about-us.