A new hotel in MONA’s expansion plans
Millionaire gambler and art entrepreneur David Walsh has unveiled his expansion plans for his Museum Of Old And New Art (MONA).
It includes what MONA has described in a statement as "early designs for the proposed 172-room, five-star hotel".
It will be known as HOMO, located at Berriedale, north of Hobart.
“It's very simple really. We like building stuff. So far it has gone pretty well for us, and hopefully also for our communities," Mr Walsh told the ABC in the lead-up to his presentation at a lunch for Tasmania's tourism industry last week.
"The heart of MONA is chance."
Mr Walsh said in his statement that "the build of HOMO is expected to take approximately three years from commencement and will create 300 new full-time construction jobs. When open, HOMO will deliver an additional 120 full-time jobs on an ongoing basis".
"The proposed HOMO [HOtel MOna] development plan is yet to be submitted to Glenorchy City Council. A comprehensive consultation process with the public will be held at the same time,"
There was also mention of the word “Monaco”.
It was described as a "private, members-only, high-limits, poker machine-free facility for non-Tasmanians".
"Unlike the principles applied to the design of most casinos, Monaco would be designed as an 'anti-casino' and act as an outlet for art and design," the statement said.
Mr Walsh is also backing a $2-billion redevelopment proposal at Hobart's Macquarie Point precinct.
This would be placing some focus on Tasmania's colonial past and conflict with the original Aboriginal inhabitants. It’s a theme that has not gone down well in certain quarters and has displeased some including Hobart’s Lord Mayor.
Mr Walsh also flagged moving the annual Festival Of Music and Art (FOMA) event north.
The plan is to hold it in Launceston, provided the Government agrees to help finance the shift.
by Leon Gettler, July 7th 2017
