Work on the reconstruction of the field of play at University of Tasmania Stadium will begin this week.
Tasmanian construction company Hazell Bros has been contracted to complete the four-month reconstruction following a tender process earlier this year.
During the first two weeks of the project, an estimated 1100 truck movements in and out of the stadium will be required to remove the existing stadium surface.
Appropriate traffic management will be in place for the duration of the project.
City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said despite regular plaudits on the quality of the stadium surface, it had well and truly reached its end of life.
“The existing field of play is some 20 years old and is in need of refurbishment to improve drainage and to rectify the uneven surface – maintaining the standards required for AFL and first-class cricket,” Mayor van Zetten said.
The reconstruction will include excavation of the existing surface to a depth of almost 600mm to allow for sub-grade stabilisation, a new sub-surface draining system, a new automatic irrigation system and a purpose-designed fence to complement the LED perimeter signs.
Finally, ready-to-play turf will be installed from the Council-grown turf farm located at Dilston.
“We know how popular this stadium is for Tasmanians – it hosts local football, AFL football and in the past two years, Big Bash cricket and the crowds just love it, as do the teams who travel to play here,” Mayor van Zetten said.
“Given we have BBL cricket rostered here in December, it was an imperative that we began work on the reconstruction as soon as the last AFL match of the season is completed, which is this weekend.
“It will certainly be all-hands-on-deck to make sure the work is completed by November, well before the first BBL match here in Launceston.”
