AusLeisure

Tasmania's Port Arthur Historic Site is to receive Federal Government funding for improved visitor centre facilities.

More than $200,000 is being used to develop a master plan for extending the site's visitor centre, while $36,000 will go towards local theatre group Turin Productions, which performs historical plays at the site. The Tasman Council will also receive $12,000 to identity development opportunities in the region.

Port Arthur Historic Site Chief Executive Stephen Large said an increase in visitors meant urgent expansion was needed.

Large explained “the current building won't accommodate the number of people we've got here"There's long queues, both to get in through our ticketing area and also to get food, beverages and coffee."

The boost for theatre production means more investment in plays at the site, which have been a feature up to four times a day since last December.

The Tasmanian Government has welcomed the funding boost for Port Arthur but has no plans to fund more infrastructure projects to make the area more accessible.

Local MP Mark Shelton stated “the Arthur Highway has had some money spent on that, and we always work with local councils to make sure that we can maximise the amount of money that is spent in local areas."

The Port Arthur Historic Site has also expressed an interest in managing the Darlington convict settlement site on Maria Island.

The site is currently operated by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, although the State Government has established a working group to look into Darlington's management.

Commenting on the potential expansion, Lareg told the ABC “if you go and look at Darlington now, compared to Port Arthur, there's some fantastic opportunities there for us, with our conservation heritage and tourism expertise at this site.

"I think we can add some value."

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