Frequently asked questions
When is it expected that construction of the replacement Burnie Courts Complex will commence?
With Fairbrother awarded the construction contract and all approvals in place, construction of the replacement Burnie Courts Complex is expected to commence in June 2026.
When is it anticipated that this project will be constructed and operational?
It is anticipated that the new Burnie Courts Complex will be constructed and operational in 2028.
Who is designing the replacement Burnie Courts Complex?
In 2024, the Department of Justice appointed Xsquared Architects as the successful architectural team to design the replacement Burnie Courts Complex.
Are the enabling works complete at the site?
Tasmanian firm- Batchelor Construction Group (BCG) was the contractor appointed to undertake the enabling works, which included the demolition and removal of existing buildings and infrastructure at the 106 Wilson Street site, clearing and readying the site for construction of the replacement Burnie Courts Complex. The enabling works at 106 Wilson Street have now been completed.
When did the Department of Justice finalise the acquisition of the properties at the designated site?
The Department of Justice finalised the acquisition by agreement of the properties situated at 100-106 Wilson Street, Burnie in December 2023. The titles have now been amalgamated into one lot. Site maintenance and due diligence investigations on the site continue to inform the next stages of the project.
Why was an EOI process conducted for the Burnie Court Complex Redevelopment Project?
Following community feedback that indicated a strong desire to retain the Burnie Courts Complex in the CBD, the Government instructed the Department of Treasury and Finance to conduct a targeted Expression of Interest (EOI) process to ascertain if the CBD had any new potentially suitable sites before continuing with the project.
Three sites were identified from the EOI process that were subject to further investigation and assessment.
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 CBD.
Why is the Court now relocating when it had previously been indicated that the current site would be upgraded?
It is well recognised that the current court facilities at Alexander St in Burnie are out-dated and no longer fit for purpose.
Based on expert advice, it would not be possible to safely refurbish the existing court complex while continuing to use the courts due to friable asbestos in the building fabric. Therefore, the only efficient, safe and practical option is the development of court facilities in a new location.
How many courts will the project deliver?
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 includes an additional shared fourth court.
When will the current Courts Complex close?
Importantly, the current Burnie Courts Complex will continue to operate during the construction of the new Courts, with operations transferring to the new site only once the work is complete.
Will the new Court complex have a provision for the Family Circuit and Family Court of Australia?
Accommodation for the Family Circuit and Family Court of Australia will be incorporated into the proposed four court design under the existing project scope.
What is the cost for this project?
The Tasmanian Government has committed a total of $86.5 million for this project.
Are the new neighbours of the court being considered?
The near neighbours have been considered during the design process, to ensure pedestrian entrances to the Courts Complex are located to maximise the separation of court users from surrounding businesses and services.
What will happen to the current courthouse?
The Government is yet to make a decision on the future of the current Burnie Courts Complex building.
Will the complex improve the administration of justice for the North West region?
Yes, it is anticipated that the new site will allow for a design that better meets the needs of all court users through the development of a modern and contemporary Courts Complex.
The fit-out of the new Courts Complex will include modern technology that assists in court operations, while the design will provide spaces suitable for the various aspects of court operations including hearings, case conferences, mediation/conciliation and client meetings, and will provide appropriate disability access to the courts.
Does this mean the Devonport Court will be closed?
No, the Government remains committed to a two-courts model in the North West – operating from locations in both Burnie and Devonport.