Project Update- September 2025
The Department of Justice continues to progress this important project in the State’s North West.
The Department of Justice has now submitted a development application for the replacement Burnie Courts Complex to the Burnie City Council, representing a significant milestone for the delivery of this important project.
The project has now progressed into the Construction Documentation (CD) phase, during which detailed technical drawings and specifications are being prepared to support the upcoming Request for Tender (RFT) for construction process. This phase is critical and will ensure the design is fully resolved and ready for market engagement.
Subject to gaining all the necessary permits and approvals (including Parliamentary approvals), the Department of Justice expects the construction of the new Burnie Courts Complex to commence in the first half of 2026 and be completed by the end of the 2027.
Site enabling works
Following the tender evaluation process, the Department is pleased to advise that Tasmanian firm- Batchelor Construction Group, has been appointed as the contractor to undertake the enabling works at the 106 Wilson Street site.
Batchelor Construction Group (BCG) has over four decades of experience delivering civil and building construction projects across Tasmania for private clients, local and state governments.
The enabling works will include the demolition and removal of existing buildings and infrastructure at the 100-106 Wilson Street site, clearing the site of the new Courts Complex.
Now that the contractor has been appointed and that the permit for the enabling works has been granted by the Burnie City Council, these works can proceed.
Although formal site possession for the enabling works package is scheduled for Tuesday 9 September 2025, Batchelor Construction Group is progressing with a number of key preparatory activities, including the development of management plans, environmental assessments, GPS file preparation, and stakeholder engagement.
Importantly, the contractor will be implementing a number of risk management controls to ensure that there is minimal disruption to business and community as a result of these works.
The main enabling works are scheduled to commence on Tuesday 9 September 2025 and be completed by the end of the year.
The Design of the new Burnie Courts Complex
Rendered images below of the replacement Burnie Courts Complex that is being progressed at the 106 Wilson Street site.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Visit our FAQ's page for more information about the Burnie Courts Complex Relocation Project.