Construction has officially begun on a $60 million sports complex at Devonport Oval that is expected to pump $118 million into the local economy.
The sod was turned this week on the state-of-the-art facility, which will include a three-court indoor community hall, a three-court show hall, outdoor courts, administration offices and high-performance training areas.
More than 360 jobs will be created during construction, with the project expected to be finished by 2027.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the project was the result of wide consultation with local sporting groups, council, the federal government and residents.
“Together, we are delivering for generations of north-west coasters by investing in facilities that will service this region for decades,” he said.
The state government is contributing about $30 million, with $25 million from the federal government and the remainder covered by council.
An extra $5.8 million has also been added by the government to upgrade the show court to WNBL standards, boosting seating capacity to more than 3,000.
Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman said the complex would cater for six sporting codes, with each keeping its own identity and office space.
Federal MP Anne Urquhart said the project would draw people from across the coast once completed.
The complex will also be home to Tasmania’s first collaborative wellness hub, delivered in partnership with St Luke’s Health. It will be the organisation’s third site after Hobart and Launceston.
St Luke’s CEO Paul Lupo said the hub would provide free health and wellbeing activities centred on movement, nutrition and social connection.
