The redevelopment of the Glenorchy Showground is facing further delays and cost overruns, with the project now running a year behind schedule and $32 million over the initial budget.
According to Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) CEO Scott Gadd, the delays are primarily due to planning approval issues with the Glenorchy City Council.
“We had to lodge a second DA due to some changes that were needed to be made and that’s just taken time,” Gadd told Jo Spargo on Local Radio.
“Council want to make sure they get it right and that game of ping pong’s been going on for about a year.”
Included in the redevelopment is a new multi-purpose show precinct, arena, motor home park, 1,500-seat theatre, function space, offices and up to 450 apartments.
The housing aspect alone is expected to cost up to $300 million, while the show facilities have risen in cost from $42 million to $74 million.
Gadd said the $32 million overrun is a “worst-case scenario” and that the society is looking to reduce costs through value management and material optimisation.
He also hinted at the possibility of applying for federal funding to help cover the shortfall.
The delays have raised concerns about the impact on the Hobart Show, which is traditionally held at the Glenorchy Showground.
Gadd said that the society has not yet received approval from Hobart City Council to continue using the Regatta Ground and other areas for the show next year.
“We only thought we’d need it for three years, so we had approval up until this year,” he said.
“Obviously there’s some other factors at play down there in terms of the sewerage treatment plant relocation and the Macquarie Stadium progress, so we’re going to have to get our head around whether they’ll impact us next year.”
