A new convention centre in Launceston will unlock new opportunities for northern Tasmania’s tourism and events market, with the state government contributing $10 million to the $35 million project.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the investment today, saying the project aims to double business events in the region, potentially generating nearly $30 million in economic activity according to a Visit Northern Tasmania study.
“We are proud to be partnering with JMC and the City of Launceston to deliver a new convention centre for Northern Tasmania,” Rockliff said.
Business events already inject around $200 million annually into Tasmania’s economy, according to Business Events Tasmania.
Last year, 25,000 people attended business events in Tasmania – up 20 per cent from 2022.
The new Launceston facility is expected to generate tens of thousands of additional visitors, benefiting hotels, hospitality, retail and tourism operators.
“This job-creating and economy-boosting development will unlock a new era of opportunity for northern Tasmania by positioning the region as a must-visit destination for business events,” Rockliff said.
“There will also be opportunities across high growth sectors including health, defence, advanced manufacturing, green energy, agriculture and science.”
The proposed 4,000-square-metre facility would include 300 car parks, with a 120-room hotel built alongside it.
Plans also include a 400-metre public boardwalk and landscaped green spaces to replace a degraded stretch of the kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary riverbank.
The project had been hinging on the financial commitment from the state government to proceed.
JMC Group managing director Errol Stewart said late last year that his company would wear “all construction risk” and deliver the project at a fixed price.
“We are ready to invest $20 million of our own capital to build a convention facility and riverfront precinct that showcases Launceston and Tasmania on a national stage,” he said in December.
Launceston City Council pledged $5 million towards critical riverbank remediation works at Kings Wharf for the project last year.
Mayor Matthew Garwood said council’s contribution reflected both the “terrible state” of the riverbank and the potential economic windfall the project could deliver.
