NBL releases first images of its proposed Derwent Entertainment Centre refurbishment

The first images of the proposed upgrade of the Derwent Entertainment Centre have been revealed.

TASMANIA will house the best boutique stadium in the NBL outside the major capital cities if the State Government commits to upgrading the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

League boss Larry Kestelman, who is in exclusive negotiations with the Glenorchy City Council to purchase the dated venue and Wilkinsons Point, will need a significant contribution from the Government to refurbish the building.

It is believed the figure required is at least $20 million, but if the Government is willing to invest it would see Tasmania handed the 10th NBL licence.

A “world-class” DEC would be the centrepiece of the proposed Wilkinsons Point precinct, with Mr Kestelman believing it would bring the state a much-needed facility to host a range of events.

An aerial view of the proposed refurbished Derwent Entertainment Centre.

“I think it’ll be the best out of the smaller venues, without a doubt … the best venue outside of the bigger capital cities,” Mr Kestelman told the Mercury after revealing the first images of the proposed upgrade.

“It’ll be a great venue and I actually think it’ll be a lot of fun. It’ll be very compact. It’ll be very on top of you, I think it’ll actually be a great venue once it’s done.

An artist’s impression of the interior of a proposed refurbishment of the Derwent Entertainment Centre

“To have a 5000 to 7000 seat venue that hosts events, whether it be basketball, whether it be concerts, whether it be conventions, whether it be community, there needs to be one venue that’s fit for purpose.

“Right now, that venue is just not.

“Tasmania deserves one great venue and it’s on the Government to actually do that and the basketball is just a catalyst to hopefully finally bring it to fruition.”

Terry Armstrong of the Phoenix dunks the ball during the NBL Blitz Dunk Comp at the Derwent Entertainment Centre on September 21. Picture: GETTY

The successful hosting of the pre-season Blitz, which attracted nearly 9000 fans across the state to games across four days, has only fuelled optimism a Tasmanian team would be supported if it was to rejoin the league.

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However, Mr Kestelman admitted he was shocked at how non-compliant the DEC was — and believes upgrading will be required regardless of whether he can strike a deal with the Government.

“I think the DEC actually has pretty good bones as a venue overall. The good news is it doesn’t need to be demolished and rebuilt, you can actually use what’s there, it’s just a major upgrade of what’s needed.

“The actual current fit for purpose compliance, regulatory health and safety, all those things, the venue actually doesn’t comply with a of a lot of current codes.

“A lot of the ramps don’t comply, toilets don’t comply, sprinkler systems.

“It’s not safe. The roof leaks, there is no air conditioning, it’s not something to be proud of for Tasmania.

“I think the money will have to get spent sooner or later anyway, so don’t lose the opportunity to also, at the same time, end up with your basketball club here.”

Action during the NBL Blitz pre-season match between Perth Wildcats and Sydney Kings at the Derwent Entertainment Centre on September 22. Picture: GETTY

The addition of the South East Melbourne Phoenix this season saw the Victorian Government invest $120 million into the State Basketball Centre in Knox.

Mr Kestelman will meet with the Tasmanian Government next week.