NBL deal nearly done, but work on Derwent Entertainment Centre must begin as soon as possible

Only a few minor details need to be ticked off for the agreement between the Tasmanian Government and NBL boss. But the time frame to refurbish the DEC remains tight.

THE Tasmanian Government and NBL owner Larry Kestelman are in the final stages of negotiations on the state’s re-entry to the league as the clock ticks to commence the Derwent Entertainment Centre upgrade.

Premier Peter Gutwein yesterday said the two parties were close to a “final agreement” on the DEC refurbishment, which will come at an estimated cost of $68.5 million.

Included in the funding is $20 million for a community four court multisport facility.

While welcoming the announcement, Mr Kestelman said work on the DEC will need to begin as soon as possible to ensure the venue will be ready for Tasmania’s return to the NBL after a 25-year hiatus.

“We are excited about the opportunity for Tasmania to have its own team in the NBL and welcome the announcement by the premier that the Tasmanian Government has committed $68.5 million for the upgrade of the Derwent Entertainment Centre, including $20 million for a four court multisport community facility,” Mr Kestelman said.

“Starting work on the DEC as quickly as possible is critical if we are to meet our joint objective to have a team playing in Tasmania for the 2021-22 season.

“We will now wait for confirmation of final details of the agreement from the government as a matter of urgency so we can deliver an NBL team for the people of Tasmania.”

Having reached an in principle agreement in late February on a complex deal including the DEC’s previous owner the Glenorchy City Council, discussions between the Government and Mr Kestelman were parked for two months due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The two parties have spent the past fortnight thrashing out the finer details, which will see Mr Kestelman hand over the league’s 10th licence and invest $150 million into a shopping, hotel and restaurant precinct at Wilkinsons Point.

“I spoke with Mr Kestelman [Wednesday] night and we are very close to a final agreement, there are a couple of matters we need to hammer out,” Mr Gutwein said.

“But we are both positive we will be able to take this forward, subject to finalising those matters.

“That will also enable an NBL team to play in Tasmania not this season but in the next.”