A boutique hotel located in Hobart's vibrant Salamanca Place district has received approval for a major $30 million expansion that will quadruple its accommodation capacity. The City of Hobart has granted permission for the significant extension of the existing Moss Hotel, which first opened its doors in 2019 within a carefully preserved heritage facade.
The ambitious project involves demolishing surrounding non-heritage structures at 68 Montpelier Retreat to make room for a contemporary four-story addition. This expansion will add 69 new rooms to the hotel's existing 20 rooms, bringing the total accommodation capacity to 89 rooms. The development represents a substantial investment in Hobart's hospitality infrastructure and tourism sector.
Designed by Altis Architecture, the expansion will introduce several new amenities and facilities to enhance the guest experience. A new entrance, reception area, and lounge will be constructed at ground level, while the first floor will house a cafe, bar, restaurant, and multipurpose room designed for functions and events. The upper floors of the building will be exclusively dedicated to guest suites and various amenities for hotel visitors.
The architectural design has undergone an extensive review process to ensure it meets both contemporary standards and heritage preservation requirements. The Hobart City Council Urban Design Review Panel conducted a rigorous evaluation of the proposed design, and heritage consultants Lovell Chen provided their endorsement following a comprehensive historical assessment of the site.
The new exterior design carefully incorporates layered materials specifically chosen to complement the existing 19th-century sandstone heritage facade. These materials include brick, ceramic screens, green veils, sandstone, and glazing elements that create a harmonious blend between old and new architectural styles. Following the established pattern of the surrounding built environment, the building will extend directly to the property boundary with no ground-level setback.
The contemporary addition will sit atop a sandstone base that echoes the historic materials of the original structure. The top level of the new building steps back from the facade and features full glazing to create an open, light-filled space. New sandstone detailing has been carefully arranged to visually distinguish the original historic stone from the contemporary additions, maintaining the architectural integrity of both elements.
Inside the expanded hotel, a glazed atrium will run vertically from the entrance through all levels of the building. This central feature will draw natural light deep into the interior spaces while creating visual connections between the restored heritage details and the new contemporary additions. The design approach emphasizes the relationship between the historic and modern elements of the structure.
The expansion proposal was publicly exhibited in October 2025, allowing community members and stakeholders to review and comment on the development plans. The approval represents a significant milestone for the project, which will substantially increase Hobart's boutique accommodation options in one of the city's most popular tourist destinations.
