[1] Originally part of a waterfront district called 'Wapping', the site where the Hotel Grand Chancellor is situated was historically a place of factory enterprise, industrial gas production, transport and shipping.

The main section of the tram terminus was located directly opposite on Macquarie Street and its original offices, store and entrance arches all remain, with the latter being incorporated into newly built structures.

During construction, the hotel design was altered in response to government criticism, seeing the developers forced to remove thousands of pink bricks that were supposed to be a sandstone colour in order to blend with surrounding heritage buildings.

The Federation Concert Hall provides an international standard venue for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) as well as extensive conference and convention facilities for the Grand Chancellor.

[8] In 1998, the Grand Chancellor underwent a sizeable expansion on the eastern side of the hotel for the creation of a new entertainment complex encompassing a world-class concert hall, ballroom and conference room facilities.

[12] The Federation Concert Hall is currently Hobart's third largest indoor venue, after the Tasman Room at Wrest Point and MyState Bank Arena.