Dorney House expression of interest

Dorney House is a significant architectural and cultural site, originally designed by architect J.H. Esmond Dorney and developed between 1949 and 1979.

Located on Porter Hill, it offers:

• a panoramic setting overlooking Storm Bay and surrounding landscapes
• a connection to the historic Fort Nelson site
• recognition on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.

We are seeking proposals that:

• respect and protect the site's heritage values
• align with environmental and site constraints
• deliver a financially viable and sustainable model
• provide a clear and well-managed operational plan.

Proposals may include:

• tourism and hospitality experiences
• guided tours and interpretation
• small-scale events
• boutique accommodation
• education or community programs.

Applicants must carefully consider:

Access and transport

• Single-lane access road with safety and resilience limitations.
• Limited vehicle access and reliance on managed transport solutions.

Parking

• Extremely limited on-site parking.
• Proposals must support low-volume visitation.

Natural hazards

• Bushfire, landslip, and flood overlays apply.
• Robust risk and emergency management is essential.

Heritage requirements

• Minimal and reversible changes preferred.
• Protection of visual and environmental values is critical.

EOI information - Dorney House(PDF, 492KB)

Council Report(PDF, 5MB)

Dorney House Strategic Review(PDF, 3MB)

Porter Hill Conservation Plan(PDF, 27MB)

Tasmanian Planning Scheme

This EOI is not a tender process and does not create a binding contract. It allows the City to:

• shortlist applicants
• seek further information
• enter negotiations with preferred proponents
• decide not to proceed at any stage.

Applicants are responsible for:

• undertaking their own due diligence
• ensuring their proposal addresses all site and operational requirements.

Important conditions

• The City is not obliged to accept any proposal.
• Applicants bear their own costs in preparing submissions.
• Information provided will be treated confidentially where practicable.

Applications will be evaluated against criteria including:

• heritage outcomes – protection and interpretation of the site
• operational feasibility – realistic delivery under site constraints
• financial viability – sustainable business model
• risk and safety management
• environmental performance
• capability and experience
• approvals pathway.