Builder announced for $60m Devonport Oval Sports Complex

Local Tasmanian builder Fairbrother Pty Ltd has been appointed by the Devonport City Council to deliver the $60 million Devonport Oval Sports Complex. 

Fairbrother Pty Ltd was selected through an open competitive tender process and has been awarded the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract for the jointly funded project. 

The contractor, under the ECI model, will work closely with the Devonport City Council as well as user groups and the architect to finalise the design of the new sports complex. 

“We are proud to be part of this transformative project in Devonport. This initiative reflects our values of promoting health and wellbeing, and we look forward to delivering a facility that will have long lasting benefits for our local community,” Fairbrother Chief Executive Office Kurt Arnold said. 

“This project is more than just a sports facility. It will strengthen our community, promote active living, and serve as a platform for future sporting talent, while continuing to celebrate our longstanding sporting culture. 

“The advantage of an ECI process is the practical experience the builder brings to the table, ensuring the design is finalised in the most buildable and cost-effective manner,” Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman said. 

Artist impression of the Devonport Oval Sports Complex (source: Devonport City Council)

The Devonport Oval Sports Complex will feature: 

• A four-court indoor facility supporting community participation and competition 

• A two-court, show court facility 

• Outdoor courts and community access recreation facilities 

• Multi-club social and administration facilities 

• Cricket and high-performance training facilities 

• Associated development including car parking and landscaping 

Artist impression of the interior of the show court (source: Devonport City Council)

The state-of-the-art facilities are designed to enhance community participation while also fostering inclusivity and supporting pathways to elite-level sport. This project aligns with Devonport City Council’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of its residents. 

This project is jointly funded by Australian and Tasmanian Governments, each contributing $25 million, with the remainder to be funded by Devonport City Council. 

Major construction on the Devonport Oval Sports Complex is due to commence in early 2025 and will take up to two years to complete. 

“We’ve seen what can be achieved through precincts – such as the Devonport City Living – and this next project will set up our future generations of North West Tasmanians for success. 

“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are partnering with the Devonport City Council to deliver new, fit-for-purpose and expanded indoor court infrastructure for Devonport and the greater region. 

“Our investment will provide enhanced opportunities for community participation in sport, which supports the Government’s aim of having more Tasmanians engaged in sport and active recreation. 

“This project will also enable Devonport to host high-level sporting carnivals, tournaments and other major events. 

“The Devonport precinct will be a game-changer for participants and the broader community on the North West Coast, and I look forward to seeing construction of this exciting development get underway,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said. 

Source: Premier of Tasmania – Latest News; Devonport City Council (1, 2); AUStadiums; Pulse Tasmania