Relocating the Burnie Courts Complex
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 visits the courts.
The current Courts Complex, located at 38 Alexander Street, houses the Burnie Supreme and Magistrates Courts.
The building was opened in the early 1970s, and no longer meets the essential 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 now 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-North West of the State by providing space to accommodate the additional Supreme Court Judge and a number of magistrates.
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, and following the appointment of an additional Supreme Court Judge and Magistrates on the North West coast, the project scope will now include an additional shared fourth court.
The 2023-24 State Budget has committed a further $46.5 million in additional funding to deliver a replacement Burnie Courts Complex at 100-106 Wilson Street, increasing the total commitment to $86.5 million.
The delivery of the replacement Burnie Courts Complex will improve access to justice in the North-North West of the State, by providing space for four courts for our clients and stakeholders. Additionally the investment will:
- ensure access to justice for the North West community through ongoing Magistrates and Supreme Court services;
- improve safety and amenities for court-users;
- improve disability access; and
- enable contemporary functioning of the facilities, including technology.
The project will also help revitalise the Burnie CBD and deliver jobs and investment for the North West, with local businesses to benefit from increased trade during construction.
The Department of Justice, through its dedicated Project Team continues to make strong progress to deliver a replacement Burnie Courts Complex, with the finalisation of the site acquisition for the 100-106 Wilson Street properties settling on Wednesday 6 December 2023.
The Department is advertising a Request for Tender (RFT) for Design and Contract Administration Services for the Burnie Courts Complex Relocation Project. The successful tenderer will be engaged to deliver a replacement Courts Complex that is modern, fit for purpose and enables the efficient and effective operation of both the Supreme and Magistrates Courts, as well as meeting local expectations in the north of the State. It is anticipated the tender evaluation process will be completed by the Department in the first quarter of 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Visit our FAQ's page for more information about the Burnie Courts Complex Relocation Project.