Montgomery Chapel Bishopscourt

In 2020 Jessica Howard wrote the following article in the Mercury newspaper:

Fitzroy Place property Bishopscourt development plan submitted to Hobart City Council

A bold proposal has been submitted to Hobart City Council for additions to a heritage-listed property which was home to every Anglican Bishop of Tasmania for 135 years.

AN expansion at a property which was the residence of every Anglican Bishop of Tasmania for more than 100 years has been proposed.

Fitzroy Place Nominees Pty Ltd has submitted a development application for partial demolition, extension and alterations to visitor accommodation use for 26 Fitzroy Place in Sandy Bay.

The 1837-built residence known as Bishopscourt was a former Anglican bishops residence, but was sold by the diocese in 2003.

Part of the main house was designed by pre-eminent colonial architect Henry Hunter who also designed St David’s Cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral and Hobart Town Hall.

The property was bought by Dermot and Rebecca Crean in 2012 and had been previously owned by the estate of Melbourne multi-millionaire Herman Rockefeller.

The proposed three stage plans include redeveloping the former schoolhouse to create two new short stay accommodation units and the construction of six new townhouses for residential accommodation.

Minor changes are proposed to the existing heritage-listed property.

A heritage impact assessment by NSW consultant Paul Davies said the proposed works “have very minimal heritage impacts on either fabric or setting.

“The impacts that do occur are more than offset by the enhancement of the setting, the conservation work taking place and the establishment of a viable future for the property,” Mr. Davies’ report said.

“The proposal is an excellent example of how to adapt a heritage property for new uses and some development while retaining core heritage values and improving the setting of the building.”

Between 2013 and 2015, the Creans worked with renowned architect Robert Morris-Nunn and his team to create a masterplan for the property.

The main building has been previously renovated and three visitor accommodation units have been added, which have been operating as the Old Bishop’s Quarters.

We believe there is now an opportunity to make a modest expansion in accommodation provided which in turn will make it feasible to complete what has become a mission for us – telling the story of Bishopscourt and its rich history,” application documents state.

Public comment on the proposal closes on August 6.

T his property sold in 2004 and 2011.