Kingborough locals will soon get their first proper look at plans for the redevelopment of the Twin Ovals precinct at two community drop-in sessions next month.
The sessions, on August 2 and 6 at the Twin Ovals Function Centre, will show off designs for the $105 million Tasmania Devils’ new high-performance centre and explain how the area will be transformed to support the state’s new AFL team.
Jointly funded by the AFL and the state government, the facility will become the Devils’ main training base.
Kingborough Council is contributing land and staff support to help bring the project to life.
Mayor Paula Wriedt said the sessions would provide details about changes to existing community facilities required to make way for the AFL club’s operations.
“Community members will be able to meet with representatives from the Tasmania Devils Football Club, Kingborough Knights, Kingborough Tigers, Tasmania JackJumpers and the project team,” she said.
To create space for the new facilities, two additional ovals will be built for the Tigers and Knights – one above and one below the current Twin Ovals.
Several community spaces will need to be relocated, including the Kingston View Drive off-lead dog area, the Southern Obedience Club and the Kingborough Mountain Bike Park.
“Any relocations or modifications will be undertaken in a way that maintains or enhances existing service levels and community access,” Wriedt promised.
She said council had worked closely with existing sporting groups throughout the planning process and secured their ongoing support for the masterplan.
Tasmania Football Club CEO Brendon Gale described the project as pivotal for the club’s operations, housing all on-field and off-field staff at a single location.
“This project is significant in terms of its size and integration into the Kingborough Sports Precinct,” he said.
“We continue to work closely with our neighbours and look forward to engaging with the community more broadly to ensure that the project is understood and valued.”
The precinct already supports 33 sporting organisations, including the JackJumpers, the state gymnastics centre and Kingston High School’s sporting programs.
Adding the Devils’ facility is expected to cement the precinct as a leading sporting hub for southern Tasmania.
“We’re looking forward to working with the community as the project progresses and ensuring that the precinct continues to grow as a welcoming and accessible space for everyone,” Gale said.
