The Ulverstone Cultural Centre, now known as The Hive, is a multi‑use civic building created as a focal point for community, culture and learning in the heart of Ulverstone.

Located on a constrained site between the Western Railway line and the Cenotaph Clocktower, the project responds carefully to its surroundings. The building is set back from the street to form a north‑facing civic space that connects the centre to the town and provides a welcoming public forecourt. Externally, the building is expressed as a series of clear and robust volumes, giving the centre a confident public presence while remaining responsive to its civic context.

Internally, the building is organised around generous public spaces that provide clear orientation and encourage movement between programs. A diverse mix of cultural and visitor facilities is accommodated across three levels, including visitor services, exhibition and gallery spaces, arts studios, workshops, a café and Tasmania’s largest planetarium. ARTAS has brought these varied uses together within a clear and legible civic framework, supporting accessibility, flexibility and shared use.

A restrained materials palette, combining darker tones with warm timber elements, unifies the interior and exterior and provides a flexible backdrop for a wide range of activities. The result is a robust and adaptable public building that supports cultural exchange, education and everyday community use.