Sorell Council has released its latest update regarding the future of Ferry Hall, outlining the progress made since community consultation earlier this year. The update, published on October 2, 2026, details ongoing investigations into the building’s condition, potential relocation, associated costs, and heritage considerations.

Ferry Hall, currently owned by the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP), serves as a classroom for Dodges Ferry Primary School. However, DECYP has indicated that the hall is surplus to requirements for the school’s redevelopment and its retention could hinder the delivery of new, fit-for-purpose facilities on the site.

Following community feedback highlighting the hall’s historical significance and potential as a community space, Sorell Council committed to several actions. These include working with DECYP to better understand the hall’s condition, whether it can be moved, and the potential costs involved. The Council is also continuing to consider broader community facility needs through the development of the Southern Beaches Plan and exploring existing community spaces, such as Forcett Hall.

Relocating and undertaking necessary works on Ferry Hall is estimated to cost between $460,000 and $750,000, depending on the chosen site and the final scope of works, according to cost estimates sought by the Council. Under the Building Act 2016 (TAS), a relocated building must be treated as a new construction and meet contemporary standards.

Funding for the acquisition and relocation of Ferry Hall is not currently allocated in Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan. This means any such project would require the Council to defer or reprioritise other identified projects, seek external funding, or use a combination of these options.

Heritage assessments have also been undertaken. A historian and heritage management consultant advised that due to the structure’s history of relocation, it is unlikely to meet the criteria for inclusion on the Tasmanian Heritage Register. For the building to be added to the Sorell Local Provisions Schedule (LPS) as a Heritage Place, a planning scheme amendment would be required, with the Tasmanian Planning Commission making the final decision. Crucially, the building would need to be in its new, specific location before this assessment process could begin.

An appropriate new location for Ferry Hall has not yet been identified, as Sorell Council owns limited land in the Dodges Ferry area. An alternative option remains available where an interested party could acquire the building at no cost, assuming responsibility for all relocation, permit, and establishment expenses.

The broader community facility needs are being addressed through the Southern Beaches Plan. Consultants ERA are currently developing a draft of this plan, which is expected in late October and will be released for community consultation in November. The draft plan is anticipated to outline recommendations and opportunities to address social infrastructure needs for the growing Southern Beaches community.

Council staff are currently working with the “Save Ferry Hall” group to prepare a briefing note for the newly elected Council, following the local government elections, to inform future decision-making regarding the hall.

Readers can find the full update on the Sorell Council website.