Redevelopment Launceston Gasworks

the oldest buildings on site: horizontal retort buildings visible foundations of 1 of older gasometers in foreground

the gasworks have been partially developed part of large 3 part scheme costing $35 million. first stage costing $8 million involving restoration of cottages on north of site part of new centrelink complex has been completed though second , third stages cancelled in 2008 due global financial crisis. second stage involve construction of whole new set of buildings consisting of offices, retail outlets, restaurants, , apartments. these buildings built on south of site facing cimitier street within foundations of gasometers free standing structure next governor cottage , glass office building connecting vertical retort house carburetted water gas building. part of second stage, governor cottage , horizontal retort meant restored allow access general public. third stage disapproved launceston council involve development of abandoned origin energy parking lot across willis street more shops has been converted public parking lot instead.

2012 restaurant proposal

in june 2012 proposal developer ross harrison put forward launceston city council incorporate vertical retort house , carburetted water gas building restaurant , bar additional commercial space. in late july 2012, site changed zoning industrial commercial , work commenced on cleaning building of accumulated pigeon droppings , polystyrene blocks dumped inside it. in mid-september removal of corrugated asbestos roofing started. on 10 october 2012, original 1932 machinery blow-torched out of building taken away followed disassembly of fire-brick retorts except coke extractors partially retained aesthetic value. completed works link 2 buildings glass atrium earlier proposal had intended. bar , reception area located on 1st floor (ground level) of vertical retort house under former retort blocks restaurant space occupying area between 2 buildings , carburetted water gas building. upper levels of both buildings have been remodeled support retail , office spaces. machinery within vertical retort house underwent heritage survey assess historic value of surviving equipment , that, local architectural firm, artas, left incorporate final design. removed machinery intended kept museum exhibits has yet utilized such purposes. @ present machinery in vertical retort has been removed except few components on ground level , waste heat boiler on floors above, salvaged components stored in horizontal retort house.