The Swansea Courthouse
Venue for hire
The Swansea Courthouse is a heritage-listed community-run venue that can accommodate up to eighty persons and has been utilised for various events, including meetings, exhibitions, parties, yoga classes, music performances, and markets. The historic ambience and acoustics make it suitable for musicians, while the more private Meeting Room is ideal for client meetings. The venue is versatile, where spaces can be used creatively for different purposes. Interested parties are encouraged to assess the facilities for their events and make a preliminary enquiry.
On the east coast, Swansea is positioned between Hobart and Launceston, offering a scenic drive of 1 hour and 45 minutes from each city and even closer to their respective airports. Convenient on-street parking is plentiful, and there's a nearby electric charging station on Noyes St, Swansea.
The venue comprises a former Courtroom and Council Office, featuring two spacious areas flooded with natural light. A generous external veranda seamlessly connects Noyes Street with the dual entrances of the building. The entrance lobby grants access to the former courtroom and facilities, including an accessible toilet equipped with a baby-changing facility. The Reception Room also provides entry to a well-equipped kitchenette. Opting to hire the Courthouse includes the use of the entire venue for the specified period.
The Swansea Courthouse is managed by the Swansea Courthouse Management Committee Inc. - a community initiative.
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Covered VerandaThe spacious 2.4m wide x 27m long veranda facing Noyes Street has elevated views over the town centre. It is accessed by centrally located steps and a gentle ramp from the public footpath. Smooth pavers provide a comfortable surface underfoot and for wheelchair access.
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Entrance LobbyThe naturally lit, enclosed entrance lobby is 2.95m long x 2.8m wide, with solid doors providing access to the Conference Room and the toilets. The floor surface is vinyl, and the space is suited to event ticketing.
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Conference RoomThe 3m high suspended ceiling has acoustics that suit audio-visual presentations and live music performances. The spacious 59 square metre room (9 m long x 6.6 m wide) has varnished timber flooring and is naturally lit. Three large windows are fitted with block-out blinds for audio-visual presentations. Four wall-mounted radiant heaters keep the room warm in the cooler months. This room can comfortably accommodate a string quartet or quintet and an audience of thirty to thirty five people.
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Reception RoomThis spacious 58 square metre room has a ceiling height of 4.24m and is naturally lit by two 2.8m high windows. Two pendant electric lights provide general lighting for evening and night time use. The room has varnished timber flooring and has been repainted in heritage colours. It may be entered by the original wide timber panelled door directly from the veranda. Air conditioning is available through a Daikin reverse cycle air conditioner. A large square cedar Victorian table is suitable for a centrepiece of flowers or serving food.
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Meeting RoomBuilt in 1974 specifically for a visiting magistrate this 21.5 square meter room (5m long x 4.4m wide) has a ceiling height of 2.86m. The naturally lit room is carpeted and has fluorescent lighting. A baby grand piano is part of this room's furniture. A small portable radiant heater may be used to provide warmth for meetings of up to twelve people. Adjacent to this room is a unisex toilet and a kitchenette.
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KitchenetteThis 6 square meter space (4.3m long x 1.4m wide) has a vinyl floor finish and three recessed halogen ceiling lights. It has a stainless steel sink and a plumbed-in instant boiling water heater. There is a large fridge with a freezer. A small microwave is available. The kitchenette provides for tea and coffee making and washing up. It is not suitable for food preparation.
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ToiletsThere are four separate unisex toilets, including an accessible toilet, with a baby changing facility. There is a unisex toilet adjacent to the Meeting Room and the Kitchenette.
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Available Furniture and EquipmentVictorian cedar table on castors 1.4m x 1.4m (centre of Reception Room) Two wooden tables 1.5m x 0.76m Wooden table 0.9m x 0.9m Wooden table 1.2m x 0.7m 36 stackable armchairs with blue fabric upholstery and, if needed, 30 extra chairs 12 timber armchairs with red velvet upholstery ( Meeting Room) Five 2m x 1m x 20cm high portable stages can be locked together or used singly to provide a raised dais. Two stands with adjustable spotlights for specific lighting Monitor for media presentations 1.2m x 0.9m Mobile Whiteboard Wi-Fi is proposed to be installed within the building in 2024 32 Wine glasses.
Venue Availability
About Swansea
Nestled on Tasmania's East Coast, Swansea is renowned for its mild climate, breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, vibrant tourism and nearby numerous vineyards. This historic town boasts a collection of heritage-listed buildings, including the East Coast Heritage Museum, housed in the town's original public school, constructed simultaneously with the Swansea Courthouse. Visitors can explore the town's rich history through a self-guided heritage walk and embark on one of Tasmania's finest short walks around the picturesque Waterloo headland, now home to the Swansea Golf Course, open year-round for public enjoyment.
In addition to these attractions, Swansea offers a range of facilities, including the Recreation Ground and Swansea Bowling Club. The town features essential amenities like a community bank, post office, supermarket, medical centre, churches, library, and an online access centre at the primary school. Other conveniences include an RSL, 24-hour service stations, taverns, cafes, restaurants and diverse accommodation options.
As Swansea embraces the future, the town anticipates continued growth, fuelled by flourishing industries such as fine wool production, vineyards, berry farming, cauliflower seed cultivation, oyster farming, and the production of seaweed and table salt. Swansea invites you to experience its rich heritage and exciting prospects in the heart of Tasmania's East Coast.
History and Heritage
The Glamorgan Council Offices and Courthouse, built in 1860, hold a significant place in Tasmania's history as it's first rural municipal building. After over 150 years of service, it stands as a State heritage-listed structure, showcasing rich heritage. The building underwent various renovations and additions over the years, with the last Council occupation ending in 2014. Following community efforts to save the courthouse, management was transferred to the Courthouse Steering Committee and Swansea Courthouse Arts. A Conservation Management Plan was developed in 2019, guiding conservation efforts and refurbishment of the building.
