Tasmania’s largest multi-purpose community sporting and recreation facility is a step closer, with the tender for main construction works now awarded for the Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub.
Tasmanian company, Vos Construction and Joinery will deliver Stage 2 of the $43.6 million Hub at Mowbray, with the project receiving $15 million from the Australian Government, $27.5 million from the Tasmanian Government, and $1.1 million from the City of Launceston Council.
“The City of Launceston is really proud to have committed to this transformational project, which is going to open up new social, economic, employment and recreational opportunities for our Northern suburbs,” said Mayor, Matthew Garwood.
“This is a great example of where the community has asked and the Council, State and Federal governments have been able to work together to provide an awesome outcome.
“It has been nearly four decades since a major new indoor sports complex was built in Launceston, and the demand for a facility like this has been high.
“As a council we’re stoked that the Australian Government and Tasmanian Government has demonstrated so much enthusiasm and support for this important community project which is going to help cater to sports like basketball, netball, volleyball and more,” he said.
The Hub will include a building area of over 10,000 square metres of usable indoor space and additional outdoor activities, including:
- Four designated indoor courts for netball operated by the Northern Tasmania Netball Association (NTNA);
- Three indoor multi-use courts for basketball, volleyball, futsal, table tennis, wheelchair sports and other sporting and community recreational activities to address the current court shortfall;
- Rock climbing, gym, boxing and weightlifting facilities including an outdoor activities area;
- A designated gymnastics area to provide a wide range of programs for people of all ages;
- Café, commercial kitchen, and spectator amenities (grandstand seating) with change room facilities and onsite parking;
- Youth engagement, community education and counselling areas;
- Multipurpose office space that can be used for meetings, training and administration;
- Open space for community gatherings of up to 800 people to come together offering diverse services and opportunities;
- Safe pedestrian access off Invermay Road and connectivity to the Hub from Mowbray Heights Primary School;
- Electric charging facilities for vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters.
Stage 2 works will get underway in the coming weeks, with the entire project expected to be completed in late 2025.
“I have been a long-time supporter of the Hub and I am proud to see it coming to fruition,” said Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure, Michael Ferguson.
“The Hub will go a long way to allowing more northern Tasmanians to get active and to try a new sport or just come together as a community.”
The Hub will become the home to local and state teams, the Northern Tasmania Netball Association, and social competitions.
“Vos Construction and Joinery Pty Ltd is delighted to be appointed by the Department of State Growth to construct the new Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub,” said Vos Construction and Joinery, Northern Commercial Manager – Construction, Brent Wilcox.
“This project provides an excellent opportunity for Vos to contribute to critical infrastructure and a facility that positively impacts the Tasmanian community, as well as creating employment and upskilling opportunities for Vos employees, sub‑contractors and suppliers.
“Vos is committed to supporting and encouraging local industry throughout the 18-month construction program, where over 200 people will be employed throughout the project.”
