Project Update- July 2026
The Department is pleased to advise that construction of the replacement Burnie Courts Complex is progressing well, since Fairbrother commenced building works at the 106 Wilson Street site on 15 June this year.
The commencement of construction works was a significant milestone for the project, representing the beginning of the delivery of an intergenerational piece of justice infrastructure that will serve the region for decades to come, improving access to justice for communities across the North and North West Coast.
Since works commenced, site establishment activities have advanced significantly and are now nearing completion. The project is entering its next phase, with demolition and piling works scheduled to begin in August.
Earthworks will commence following the completion of demolition and service related activities, with foundation works to follow as key service installations and relocations are completed.
To support these activities, new traffic management arrangements have been implemented to improve site access and facilitate the movement of large scale construction equipment, including piling rigs and cranes. Temporary fencing has also been installed around adjoining properties to maintain community safety and minimise disruption during construction.
Pleasingly the project remains on track, with major construction activities set to increase over the coming months as delivery of the new Burnie Courts Complex continues.
The Design of the new Burnie Courts Complex
Fly through videos below of the replacement Burnie Courts Complex that is being progressed at the 106 Wilson Street site.
Flythrough videos
Project Overview
One of the four strategic goals identified in the Department’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027 is to improve access to justice by providing contemporary fit for purpose infrastructure for our clients and stakeholders. To support this Plan, the Tasmanian Government is committed to delivering a replacement Burnie Courts Complex that will meet the needs of a modern justice system, while providing a safe and secure environment for everyone who works at or visits the courts.
The current Burnie Courts Complex, located at 38 Alexander Street, houses the Supreme and Magistrates Courts.
The building was opened in the early 1970s, and no longer meets the functional and operational requirements of a modern court facility.
On 18 March 2023, following public consultation, the Government announced that the preferred location for the replacement Burnie Courts Complex project is 100-106 Wilson Street in the Burnie Central Business District (CBD).
The Wilson Street site is ideally located on a corner block adjacent to the Burnie Police Station and in close proximity to client-related services and will support improved court operations and security. Importantly it will improve access to justice in the North West of the State.
The properties of 100–106 Wilson Street were purchased by agreement in December 2023 and the titles were subsequently amalgamated, with the site now held under a single title as 106 Wilson Street.
The Government originally committed to provide the same number of courts as currently exist – being one Supreme Court and two Magistrate Courts – to replace the existing Burnie Courts Complex. However, to future-proof and in recognition of increased court demands, the project scope will now include an additional shared fourth court.
The 2023-24 State Budget committed a further $46.5 million in additional funding to deliver a replacement Burnie Courts Complex at 106 Wilson Street, increasing the total commitment to $86.5 million.
The delivery of the replacement Burnie Courts Complex will:
- ensure access to justice for the North West community through the provision of ongoing Magistrates and Supreme Court services
- improve safety and amenity for court-users
- improve disability access
- enable contemporary functioning of the facilities, including through the use of technology.
The Department of Justice awarded the contract for the construction of the replacement Burnie Courts Complex to Fairbrother in May 2026.
Fairbrother is a respected Tasmanian business and brings extensive experience in delivering major public capital works projects across multiple jurisdictions throughout Australia. As such, the Tasmanian Government has every confidence that the Burnie Courts Complex will be delivered to a very high standard.
With Fairbrother appointed and all approvals in place, construction of the replacement Burnie Courts Complex commenced in June 2026. This timeline reflects the additional work required to finalise contract arrangements, coordinate subcontractors and complete mobilisation planning for a complex justice infrastructure project, as well as broader construction market pressures linked to global conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Visit our FAQ's page for more information about the Burnie Courts Complex Relocation Project.