Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT) has won the converted contract to complete the first stages of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) Masterplan.

The Tasmanian government’s initial $30 million for the project will see the TMAG masterplan become an architectural reality, with FJMT overseeing the design and construction of the first stage.

“What we are about here is creating a museum that is true to the heritage of this site, and yet modern in its connection with the city and the waterfront,” said premier David Bartlett.

The FJMT design team, led by multi-award-winning architect Richard Francis-Jones, secured the project following a thorough open tender process.

“FJMT is behind the architecture of some of Australia’s most recognised cultural landmarks,” Bartlett added.

FJMT director Jeff Morehen said the firm was delighted to be part of the TMAG project.

“The TMAG project is a hugely significant public project, not only for Hobart but for the nation. The collection is one of the most diverse collections of any museums in the country and part of the collection is the selection of heritage buildings on the site.”

FJMT’s architectural portfolio includes its multi-award winning work on the Mint in Sydney for the Historic Houses Trust, current work on the Auckland Art Gallery in New Zealand and a commission for a new Chemistry Research Laboratory at Oxford University as a result of an invitation-only competition.

FJMT is also leading the $100 million redevelopment of Hobart’s Parliament Square.

“Projects of such importance, such as TMAG and Parliament Square, these opportunities only come up once in a lifetime and we are somewhat humbled to be part of that process,” Morehen added.

The renovations at TMAG include the addition of a new public entry off Dunn Place, the possible creation of a covered courtyard containing new programs, increased exhibition space including the opening of new galleries in major heritage buildings, a new foyer containing 21st century facilities and a contemporary architectural design that allows for visionary exhibitions.

The masterplan was a collaboration between Terroir and Johnson Pilton Walker, and was released in August this year.

The visual design of TMAG is to be revealed in early 2010 and construction of the first stage of the project is expected to be completed in the 2012-13 financial year.