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 – a key commitment of the $603 million Launceston City Deal.
Tasmanian firm 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.
This stage of the transformative project will support up to 230 local jobs, including up to 10 apprenticeships, with the use of local goods and services to be prioritised.
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.
For a video and artist’s impressions of the hub, and latest project details, visit:
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
“Sport is central to Australia’s identity – which is why we’re investing $15 million towards this project at Mowbray, because we want more people outside of our big cities to have access to high-quality facilities for both recreation and competitive opportunities.
“I had the pleasure of visiting this site last year to mark the start of early works, and it’s fantastic to see main works progressing with a local construction firm, which will support Tasmanian jobs and stimulate the local economy.
“As works progress, people across the Launceston region are a step closer to carving it up on the indoor multi-purpiose courts, and to hosting a range of community events in modern shared spaces.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley:
“It’s fantastic to see local Tassie firm Vos Construction and Joinery secure this tender, because that means up to 230 jobs local jobs will be supported during construction.
“Vos Construction and Joinery sources 90 per cent of its goods and services locally, which is why this is great news for Tasmania’s local economy.
“I look forward to seeing this project progress, because it will provide a solid and reliable home base for many local and state sporting teams for years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure, Michael Ferguson
“I have been a long-time supporter of the Hub and I am proud to see it coming to fruition,” Minister Ferguson said.
“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.”
“Whether you are a serious competitor or just after some mid-week fun, there will be something for everyone as we work towards an opening in late 2025.”
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian A/Minister for Sport and Events, Nick Duigan:
“It is terrific to see the tender for The Hub’s main construction work going to a Tasmanian business,” Minister Duigan said.
“When complete, the Hub will be a welcoming, modern and fit-for-purpose recreation and social centre, not just for Launceston’s northern suburbs but for the greater region.
“Supporting the new Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub is just one way the Tasmanian Government is helping more Tasmanians to get active under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.”
Quotes attributable to City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood:
“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.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Vos Construction and Joinery, Northern Commercial Manager – Construction, Brent Wilcox:
“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.
“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.”
