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.
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.
