University of Tasmania’s new plans for K&D warehouse finally revealed

UTAS has revealed its plans for the former K&D Warehouse site – but the new use is only temporary, before the inner-city block becomes part of a larger development. ALL THE DETAILS >>

• Hobart hardware store K&D Warehouse to close to make way for student accommodation
• ‘Pandemonium’ as warehouse retailer launches final clearance sale

HOBART’S much loved former K&D Warehouse will become a centre for Tasmania’s boom sport — basketball.

The Mercury can reveal the site’s owner, the University of Tasmania, will turn the central site into a venue with a competition basketball court, three half courts and other advanced training facilities in partnership with sporting start-up business Swisherr started by former Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett and former NBL great Anthony Stewart.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Long said the basketball centre would be in use for at least three years until it was developed as part of a new inner-city campus that has been delayed by COVID.

Young basketballers Portia Chopping, 12 and Ellie Ferguson, 14. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“Basketball is a growing code in Tasmania and we are keen to support that and give more people the opportunity to participate,” Professor Long said.

WHAT CBD PROPERTY DOES UTAS OWN?

• MidCity Hotel on Bathurst St, $23.5 million
• Former Forestry Tasmania headquarters on Melville St, $15 million
• Fountainside Hotel, 40 Brooker Hwy, $18 million
• Former K&D site, Melville St, $30 million
• Several addresses on Argyle St, $9.8 million
• Several propertIies across Melville St, $8.8 million

“We are looking forward to sharing our plan for the developing of the city campus in the first half of this year but we are also keen to explore how we can bring life and energy to the city at those properties that will be part of that future campus until they are developed.”

“This year will be an exciting one with 422 new student apartments coming to life at Melville Street, and classes moving into the inner-city KPMG and Vodafone buildings,” Professor Long said.

“We will support this growing presence in the city with new sporting, cultural and social opportunities.”

The facilities will be used by Basketball Tasmania as well as students from Rosny College and Taroona High and available to the wider community, with work to start next month and the centre in operation by April.

Portia Chopping 12 of Hobart who is part of the Future Development Program with Basketball Tasmania and Ellie Ferguson 14 young basketballer and Jackjumpers fan. University of Tasmania is set to turn the old K&D Warehouse site in Hobart into a basketball centre and student activation site. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Hobart Chargers player and university business student Jordy Hargrave said it would be a game changer for local players.

“For me it will mean during the season I can come and get work done on the floor or in the weight room and just continue to maintain my game,” Hargrave said.

“Before we have literally one facility to get to and that was Warrane Stadium, but this should open a whole new level of accessibility and quality in terms of the equipment and facilities.”

It continues basketball’s huge surge in the state through participation and interest which will culminate in Tasmania’s return to the NBL via the JackJumpers next season.

While the venue is not compatible to be the JackJumpers training base, chief executive Simon Brookhouse welcomed the move and said the club would work with the University to continue the sport’s expansion.

Basketball Tasmania chief executive Chris McCoy said it would alleviate the issue of lack of courts in the state as participation surges.

“The facility will provide participants the opportunity for enjoyment and development – either through shooting practice, scrimmaging with mates, training sessions or 3x3 events,” McCoy said.

“We are also particularly keen to see the Under 10s having the opportunity to train and compete with the rings that lower to this age groups requirements.”

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said it was an exciting plan and was delighted to see the University working in partnership with the community.

“I’m so pleased this important site will be well used and full of activity. It’s great to have another recreational facility available for residents,” she said.

Follow @Stubboir