A $130 million redevelopment of the 23,000-seat UTas Stadium – combining mass timber with concrete in roofing and seating – will be a game-changer for Launceston and the greater Tasmanian region. That is according to Matthew Garwood, Launceston’s Mayor, who approved the redevelopment at council meetings on Thursday:
“This redevelopment cements UTas Stadium’s position as Northern Tasmania’s hub for sport, entertainment and community events,” Garwood said. “It will deliver state-of-the-art facilities for athletes, spectators and attendees whilst boosting local tourism and economic activity.”
According to James Avery, CEO of Stadiums Tasmania, upgrades include a new eastern stand and entry, upgrades to the centre-west stand, match facilities, and a scoreboard: “The $130 million redevelopment of the venue will ensure the ongoing attraction of marquee events (including Hawthorn’s 4 AFL games and future Tassie Devils games) whilst providing community users with an elevated match-day experience.”
Wood Central understands that the project, subject to the removal of a Dutch elm tree on the historic site of the York Park stadium, has been designed by Populus and Philip Lighton Architects and will feature mass timber made from Australian-grown radiata pine. This is not only the most sustainable option but also benefits from the speed of construction and off-site capability.
If all goes according to plan, the redeveloped stadium will reopen in time for the 2027 AFL season—12 months before the Tassie Devils enter the competition. With the new club scheduled to play its full roster of home games at the redeveloped stadium before splitting games with the Hobart-based Macquarie Point Stadium – the world’s largest timber-roofed oval-based stadium, which will now be fast-tracked by the state government.
- To learn more about the two Tasmanian stadiums that will host Tassie Devils AFL games and (potentially) cricket, NRL and rugby union, click here for Wood Central’s special feature.
