Vote for your preferred Tasmanian NBL team name

Tasmania’s NBL dream is about to become a reality after Glenorchy City Council agreed to a crucial part of the plan. Vote for your favourite team name now.

Glenorchy City Council has voted to sell Wilkinsons Point and the Derwent Entertainment Centre. Picture: KELVIN BALL

THE path towards a Tasmanian NBL team is officially underway with the Glenorchy City Council voting to sell the Derwent Entertainment Centre and Wilkinsons Point to the State Government.

It is believed the NBL is currently toying with a short list of potential names for the state’s return to the competition as an announcement looms.

It is understood any name must contain the word Tasmania.

The Devils is already the name adopted by all Tasmanian representative Australian rules teams and the proposed name for a Tasmanian AFL club.

In the expected move, the GCC voted unanimously today to offload the aged venue and land to the Government, which will on-sell Wilkinsons Point to NBL owner Larry Kestelman.

The Government will spend $40 million to refurbish the DEC and lease it to Mr Kestelman, who will award the league’s 10th NBL licence to Tasmania and see a team rejoin the competition in 2021-22.

Mr Kestelman has also promised a $200 million retail, restaurant and hotel precinct at Wilkinsons Point.

Council said the proposed development on Wilkinsons Point will add $102 million per year to the Gross Regional Product of the Greater Hobart economy and create nearly 1200 full-time jobs.

Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston said all Tasmanians would now contribute to the upkeep of the centre. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Mayor Kristie Johnston said the sale, set to occur mid-year, was a win for the Glenorchy community and the broader Tasmanian public.

“This will enable the development of Wilkinsons Point as a sports and entertainment precinct, which is consistent with Council’s long held ambition for a richly vibrant waterfront, creating a place that is engaging, contemporary and culturally significant,” Mayor Johnston said.

“Selling to the State Government means the DEC is staying in the community’s hands, and the proposal put forward by LK Group means Tasmanians will reap the benefits of a joint public/private investment – it’s the best of both worlds.”

Under the agreement with the Tasmanian Government, Council will retain a 20-metre strip of foreshore land to guarantee continued public access to Wilkinsons Point and the boardwalk and pavilion.

The sale price will be made public once a final sale agreement between Council and the Tasmanian Government has been signed.