A disused former police station on the outskirts of Hobart has hit the market, and it’s not the only surplus government property going under the hammer.
The 1876sqm property at 8 Somerville Street, Sorell is going to auction, along with the three-bedroom house next door.
The site includes a main office building configured with a reception area, multiple office spaces, a kitchen and a bathroom.
A former police station on the outskirts of Hobart is going under the hammer. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
An adjoining building connected by a covered walkway functions as a three-bedroom residence, and includes a kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
The neighbouring house at 10 Somerville Street is on an 1148sqm block and is also heading to auction on the same day.
The property has been deemed surplus to needs. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The police station and neighbouring house were declared surplus to the needs of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management in 2023.
The properties were offered to other government agencies, which did not show interest in acquiring the sites at the time.
The listing suggests the property would be ideal as consulting rooms, administrative headquarters or client-facing operations. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
A newly-built facility on the Tasman Highway now serves as Sorell’s police headquarters.
Selling agent Jerome Thiessen of Harcourts Signature Rosny Park said the former police station offered a range of opportunities for entrepreneurial buyers.
The property includes an attached three-bedroom residence at the rear. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“It’s zoned general business, which means you could apply to run a different business than a police station, subject to council approval, or live in the property if you wished, or do both,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of interest already. I’ve had dentists, doctors, developers and business people enquire.”
A large shed and plenty of hardstand parking is included. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
He said the 1966-built red brick house was once part of the police station precinct.
“It presents quite well for its age – it could be a lovely home, a business or both,” he said.
The neighbouring house is also up for sale. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The police station and house are among several government-owned properties that have hit the market recently across Tasmania.
A similar police station and house package deal is currently on the market in Evandale, near Launceston, although the two buildings are being sold together rather than separately.
A home for sale in Evandale, near Launceston, includes the former police station next door. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Meanwhile, an entire primary school about 25 minutes north of Sorell in Levendale is on the market for offers over $550,000.
It was the oldest school in Tasmania still using the original building for teaching, before it closed in 2013. Just 20 students were enrolled in the school that year.
A 1901-built school in Levendale is among several government-owned properties on the market. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Other government properties for sale include a four-bedroom house in Zeehan listed for offers over $350,000.
An 11-acre block of land in Penguin with subdivision potential is also on the market.
A large vacant block of crown land zoned rural living is on the market in Penguin. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
The surplus land sales come as Tasmania’s budget faces significant pressure from ballooning debt and spending outpacing revenues.
The Tasmanian Fiscal Sustainability Report released in February this year found the state’s finances are projected to rapidly deteriorate, stating “immediate action is required to stabilise debt before it becomes unmanageable”.
The report suggested the sale of assets among a number of actions to repair the budget.
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