An established jewel in Tasmania’s tourism crown, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is set to expand, this year announcing plans for a mammoth 172-room hotel, to be known as Motown.

Gallagher Jeffs’ appointment follows a successful collaboration for MONA’s 2011 launch that saw GJ act as the project’s superintendent. Recognising GJ’s contribution, we’ve been involved with Motown from project inception, and will subsequently manage the design and delivery.

Architecturally designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, the inverted suspension bridge structure will project the new hotel over Tasmania’s River Derwent, with elevated hotel rooms and communal lifestyle facilities with a view of the river and beyond.

Luxurious features include a large spa treatment centre, a jazz bar, an indoor community theatre for up to 1100. A function & events centre with capacity from 920 banquet seats, with the ability to expand up to 1600 seats in lecture format.

Culture is at the heart of this development, with a three-level library holding David Walsh’s large and expanding collection of rare books and manuscripts. With an outdoor stage and amphitheatre completed with a sculptured children’s playground, heavy metal kitchen and further exhibition space for art installations.

Access to Motown will be encouraged by water, with the hotel entry integrated with the ferry terminal to allow guests to arrive in style.

* Images courtesy of MONA