Federal funding could be needed for DEC redevelopment as talks continue between NBL and Tasmanian Government

NBL owner Larry Kestelman was in Hobart yesterday for another meeting with the State Government about the redevelopment of the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

FEDERAL funding could be required to break the impasse between the NBL and the Tasmanian Government over the redevelopment of the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

NBL owner Larry Kestelman was in Hobart yesterday for another meeting with the State Government that would see an upgrade of the 30-year-old venue and the state’s re-entry to the league.

An artist’s impression of the proposed refurbished Derwent Entertainment Centre.

Mr Kestelman is in exclusive negotiations with the owner of the DEC and surrounding Wilkinsons Point — the Glenorchy City Council — but is seeking state funding to bring the venue up to standard.

NBL RELEASES FIRST IMAGES OF PROPOSED DEC REFURBISHMENT

Premier Will Hodgman said talks were continuing but no agreement had been reached as yet.

Premier Will Hodgman. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“Today’s presentation provided further detail on potential opportunities for our state, which would require funding from all levels of government,” Mr Hodgman said.

“As we have maintained, any deal with the NBL would need to represent value for money and it is with this in mind we will review the proposal before our next meeting with the NBL.”

Mr Kestelman plans to build a $200 million shopping, food and sporting precinct around the DEC site at Wilkinsons Point should he acquire the venue and gain state funding.

NBL owner Larry Kestelman. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The NBL declined to comment on yesterday’s meeting.

The two will meet again later this month with a decision to be made before Christmas.