After years of planning, work has begun to transform Langley Park in Somerset into a modern, inclusive home for community sport.
Construction commenced mid-April on the much-anticipated Langley Park Building Upgrades, with Somerset Football Club and Somerset Strikers Cricket Club now set to gain a facility that supports their growing membership.
The upgraded pavilion will deliver fully enclosed all-gender player and umpire changerooms, accessible amenities, a refreshed canteen, improved spectator areas and sustainability features – a complete reimagining of a site that has been the beating heart of Somerset sport for generations, said Waratah-Wynyard Council Mayor, Mary Duniam.
“This is a milestone day for Somerset. Langley Park has been part of the fabric of our community for decades, and now it’s getting the facility it truly deserves,” Mayor Duniam said.
“What excites me most is what this means for the next generation: young girls pulling on a footy jumper for the first time, junior cricketers chasing their first century, families making memories on weekends. This upgrade is for them.
“A project of this scale simply doesn’t happen without real partnership. I want to thank the Tasmanian Government, AFL Tasmania and Cricket Tasmania for backing our vision, and the clubs and volunteers who have championed this project every step of the way.”
The project has been made possible through major contributions from the Tasmanian Government ($500,000), AFL Tasmania ($80,000) and Cricket Tasmania ($36,638.50), alongside Council’s own investment.
AFL Tasmania’s Venue & Government Partnerships Manager, Anthony Osborn said the project represents an important milestone for football on the North West Coast.
“AFL Tasmania is proud to support Waratah-Wynyard Council’s development of a new pavilion at Langley Park through the Tasmanian Community Football Facilities Fund. This is a vital project for football in the North West, and the Somerset Football Club has been a leader in driving community participation – fielding junior teams and launching Auskick and Superkick programs for the first time,” said Mr Osborn.
“With recent lighting upgrades and soon a modern and accessible pavilion, Langley Park is set to become a true home for community football for many years to come. These upgrades will deliver facilities that match the club’s ambition and commitment to growing the game across the region.”
Cricket Tasmania’s Community Cricket Manager (Greater North), Josh Marshall said Cricket Tasmania and Cricket Australia were pleased to provide funding towards the facility upgrades.
“Several cricket clubs in the area have had significant growth in their junior programs and will benefit greatly from these upgraded facilities moving forward,” he said.
Somerset Football Club President, Curtis McGlone was also excited to see the redevelopment start.
“This work, when completed, is going to see even more growth for football in the area juniors especially boys and girls and provide a great asset to the Somerset community for many years ahead,” he said.
Somerset Strikers Cricket Club’s Jarred Popowski said the club was thrilled to be part of the next chapter of Langley Park. He said the upgrades would add further appeal to a ground already regarded highly by the club and community.
“In our 2025/26 season we launched, for the first time in BCL history, an under 12’s team to play in the cricket northwest program. In short notice we managed to gain 11 kids. Having these upgrades will certainly add to the appeal to bring even more kids into the club along with we are aiming to have an all-woman’s team play in the social league.”
The team at the Council have been amazing through all this and together we aim to bring the best facilities to our Somerset. Another avenue for locals to bring the family for some great local sport.”
Construction is expected to be substantially complete in time for summer, with the doors of the new pavilion set to open by Christmas.
For more information on the project, visit www.warwyn.tas.gov.au/projects/langley-park-building-upgrades/.
