$28m Glenorchy Sports Centre reaches construction halfway mark

Construction of the $28 million Glenorchy Sports Centre has reached the halfway point, with the four-court indoor venue remaining on track for completion in mid-2027.

Located at the entrance to Claremont College in Hobart’s northern suburbs, the centre will provide new facilities for community sport and competitions, with spectator capacity for more than 600 people.

Tasmanian builder Fairbrother is delivering the project, with close to 230 contractors having worked on the development, according to the latest government update.

The construction milestone follows completion of the building slabs, northern retaining wall and extensive underground civil works earlier this year. An August project update reported structural steel installation was well advanced, with work also progressing in the amenities area.

Fairbrother was awarded the main construction contract in February, with site establishment beginning in March.

The centre’s four indoor multisport courts include a dedicated show court, with layouts catering for basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, futsal, pickleball and wheelchair sports.

Earlier project plans also included 68 car parking spaces, while the location beside the Claremont Park and Ride will provide a public transport connection for visitors.

Designed by ARTAS, the facility incorporates three multipurpose rooms for meetings and club activities, alongside changerooms, storage and a kiosk.

Accessibility is a central part of the design, with dedicated wellbeing, parent and sensory spaces, first aid facilities and a Changing Places facility for people with high support needs. The design was developed through consultation with sporting organisations, local clubs and disability groups.

Sport Minister Nick Duigan said consultation had helped shape the playing spaces.

“We have worked closely with local sporting organisations to ensure the court layouts support a range of sports, from everyday community participation through to competitions,” Duigan said.

The project will add indoor court space in an area where demand has outgrown existing facilities. Glenorchy City Council approved the development in July 2025, identifying the need for additional community basketball infrastructure while also supporting other indoor and wheelchair sports.

Planning for the venue’s operation has also progressed, with a tender for management services closing on 31 August. The procurement sought an operator for an initial three-year term, with an option to extend for a further three years.