Derwent Entertainment Centre will remain open for business throughout any refurbishment

Larry Kestelman has revealed an aggressive plan to bring the DEC up to speed if a deal is struck with the State Government that sees Tasmania enter the NBL in the 2021-22 season.

NBL owner Larry Kestelman. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

NBL boss Larry Kestelman has outlined an aggressive timeframe to get the Derwent Entertainment Centre refurbished to world class standards should the state be granted the 10th league licence.

However Glenorchy City Council mayor Kristie Johnston has declared current bookings — including the Southern Tasmanian Dance Eisteddfod and Disney on Ice in July — will go ahead around any upgrade.

Kestelman is hoping for an answer from the Government within the next fortnight on a deal for the state to fund a $40 million redevelopment of the DEC and build a $20 million new indoor multi-sport facility.

Artists impressions of an upgraded Derwent Entertainment Centre.

In return he will grant Tasmania a spot in the competition for the 2021-22 season and invest $200 million on the Wilkinsons Point precinct.

“Our time frame is to try and get everything ready for not this coming season but the season after, that means the DEC would have to be ready by July [next year], which is a very aggressive and very tight time frame,” Kestelman told the Mercury.

“But that’s what we are working very hard to achieve.

Artists impressions of an upgraded Derwent Entertainment Centre.

“I can’t tell you that we are 100-per-cent confident, but we are certainly going to give it a red hot go.”

Kestelman said should premier Peter Gutwein rubber stamp the deal, he will be ready to lodge his applications immediately.

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“We do have most of the paperwork ready, we will need all authorities to co-operate to get this done quickly because we will need a separate planning permit.

“There is some urgency … we are working with the Government and they have been great but our time frame is approaching, I have always said if it can’t happen by the end of February it probably won’t happen.”

To bring the DEC up to NBL standards areas such as food and beverage, corporate hospitality and the audio and visual systems need to be vastly improved.

Capacity at the venue is also likely to be initially slightly increased, and Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston said all current bookings we will honoured regardless of upgrade works.

Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston says all bookings will be honoured at the DEC.

“We have flagged the future bookings with both the State Government and LK Group,” Johnston said.

“It is fair to say all parties have committed to ensuring the DEC remains available for community events and performances throughout the sale process and while the DEC is redeveloped.

“I have no hesitation in confirming the Disney on Ice in late July will be going ahead, and likewise the dancing eisteddfod, which is a very big event for the DEC in early July, that will also be going ahead.

“It is business as usual for the DEC and certainly if anyone comes to us with a future booking we are looking where that can [be] accommodated and making a decision on a case-by-case basis.”

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Premier Peter Gutwein said the government was continuing its negotiations with Kestelman.

“Constructive and positive negotiations for a Tasmanian NBL team are continuing with Mr Kestelman.

“It’s important that the time is taken to ensure value for taxpayer money, with community and economic benefits front and centre of considerations.”

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