Green light given for work to start on Tasmania’s new home for concerts and sports
Work is set to begin on what will become the state’s new home for major concerts and sports after the massive project received the green light. SEE THE LATEST DESIGNS >>
Basketball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Basketball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Tasmania back in the NBL with big deal to change the northern suburbs
- Larry Kestelman announces win for Tasmania
TASMANIANS will be rocking the suburbs with the go ahead given for Glenorchy’s new $200 million-plus retail, entertainment and sporting precinct.
The Sunday Tasmanian can reveal work will start on the state government-funded $68.5 million Derwent Entertainment Centre upgrade next month after the Tasmanian Planning Commission approved the site area plan.
The DEC upgrade is stage one of the overall development, with stage two of the development to be a major retail precinct adjacent to the DEC, which is already seeking expressions of interest from prospective retailers.
The third and final stage will be the future Wilkinsons Point hotel, retail and restaurant development on the waterfront behind the DEC.
Stage two and three will be funded by NBL owner and executive chairman Larry Kestelman to the tune of more than $150 million.
The DEC will be the home base for the yet-to-be-named Tasmanian NBL team starting next October, with a capacity of more than 4000 fans, but will also host international performers and concerts in front of over 8000 people.
The DEC upgrade also includes a separate $20 million four-court indoor multi-sport facility to be used for basketball, netball, futsal, volleyball and other indoor sports.
Mr Kestelman said the development, worth more than $218.5 million in total, would be a huge economic stimulus to Hobart’s northern suburbs.
“As well as the DEC, we want to start the transformation of the surrounding area, including a new retail precinct, which we expect will attract a lot of interest from local retailers,” Mr Kestelman said.
“The retail precinct will enjoy prime location on Brooker Highway with easy access to the DEC and a short distance from Mona.”
He said the new retail precinct would comprise food and beverage venues, apparel, leisure, adventure, sporting and other brands and stores.
But it will be the revamped DEC that will be the jewel in the crown – and not just for sports lovers.
“The DEC will be transformed into a world-class venue for Tasmania, hosting NBL games in front of over 4000 fans and feature first-class corporate facilities, state of the art audiovisual experiences and brand new amenities for families,” he said.
“The new DEC will also host concerts featuring performers from Australia and around the world in front of over 8000 people as well as conventions and other major events for Tasmania.”
Tasmanian NBL team chief executive Simon Brookhouse said the investment would be a welcome boost to the economy, especially as the state recovers from the crippling effects of the COVID-19 crisis.
“As the Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said, the development of the DEC and surrounding area will boost economic activity in Tasmania, attract new investment and create hundreds of new jobs,” Mr Brookhouse said.
“Importantly, it will also put Tasmania on the national and international stage with its own NBL team and we look forward to building a great team all Tasmanians can be proud of.”
The DEC redevelopment must be completed by October next year for Tasmania’s entry into the NBL.
Sport shorts: Big-name racing stars keen to claim Hobart Cup
Some big-name racing stars will look to claim Hobart Cup victory on Sunday, and basketball sensation Jacob Furphy has received another honour. Catch up on Tasmania’s sports news in Sport Shorts.
‘I’m not a good coach’: Stunning admission as title defence fails
Tasmania JackJumpers championship mentor Scott Roth has made the shocking claim despite his successful record. Now though, with a title defence all but over, we break down the next big decisions for the club.