Architectural Design
Jeff Morehen and Richard Francis-Jones (FJMT) with Bill Bleathman and Premier David Bartlett. (Credit: TMAG, 2009)
On the 8th October 2009, after an extensive tender process, the premier,formally announced FJMT (Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp) as the successful tenderers for the Architectural Design.
The Premier reiterated his support for the full project vision.
FJMT will undertake full concept design for the
Masterplan vision, allowing flexibility for the future implementation of the
Masterplan if further capital funds became available, and detailed design and specifications for stage one covered by the $30m funding.
At present this is envisioned to cover new entry, front of house facilities, new circulation spine, courtyard cover, heritage building work and some new gallery spaces.
The full design for the new museum is planned to be completed in early 2010.
Construction of the first stage of the project is expected to be completed in the 2012-13 financial year.
FJMT intend to have a physical presence in Hobart by establishing a project office to service the project locally.
Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp has an outstanding cultural design portfolio.
This firm has created some of the most recognised cultural landmarks and public spaces in Australia and overseas, including the Mint redevelopment for the Historic Houses Trust in Sydney, Melbourne’s Southbank Cultural Precinct, the Auckland Art Gallery and the Newcastle Regional Museum, Exhibitions and Technology Centre.
As the result of a recent international, invitation-only competition, the firm also won the commission for a new Chemistry Research Laboratory at Oxford University.