Green light given for the delivery of $130m UTAS Stadium redevelopment

The City of Launceston Council has green lighted the development of the transformative $130 million University of Tasmania (UTAS) Stadium. 

The approval of the development application marks a significant milestone in the delivery of a premier sporting and events precinct for Northern Tasmania. 

The $130 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments. 

“This redevelopment cements UTAS Stadium’s position as northern Tasmania’s hub for sport, entertainment, and community events. 

“It will deliver state-of-the-art facilities for athletes, spectators, and attendees, while boosting local tourism and economic activity,” City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said. 

The redevelopment will include: 

• New centre-west stand 

• • New seating options and more accessible seating and spectator amenities 

• • New and more contemporary player/home team change room facilities and amenities 

• • New integrated interchange bench and new coaches’ boxes for use on matchdays 

• • New corporate and hospitality facilities, including premier seating within the new seating tier 

• • New media and broadcasting facilities 

• Redeveloped eastern stand and entry plaza 

• • New and more accessible spectator facilities and seating 

• • Improved spectator amenity and atmosphere, including bringing fans closer to the playing field 

• • The capacity for new toilets, food and beverage and associated amenities 

• • Landscaping to the south-east entry which will help to spread entry/exits around the venue 

• • A stronger connection and links with the wider Inveresk precinct, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and the University of Tasmania 

• Other works 

• • Matchday facility upgrades within the existing Carlton and United Breweries stand 

• • New infill seating to the western stand, which will provide new accessible seating options and enable spectators to become closer to the on-ground action 

• • Sports lighting upgrades 

• • Replacement of the current LED ribbon board 

• • Accessibility and compliance upgrades, including all new works complying with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and a series of identified small works, to upgrade and future-proof the stadium and provide an increased atmosphere and venue experience 

“The $130 million redevelopment of the venue will ensure the ongoing attraction of marquee events, while providing community users with an elevated event-day experience. 

“The redevelopment project cements UTAS Stadium’s standing as a premier sports and entertainment venue that delivers a significant range of economic, cultural and social outcomes for Northern Tasmania,” Stadiums Tasmania Chief Executive Officer James Avery said. 

Project scope (source: TAS Department of State Growth)

These essential works will be delivered through a staged approach, with the much-needed upgrades to matchday facilities already completed. 

Major works on the remaining upgrades are anticipated to commence in the coming months, with completion expected in early 2027. 

Once completed, the overall redevelopment will align UTAS Stadium with Australian Tier 2 guidelines. 

“We are pleased the existing matchday facilities have been brough up to Australian Tier 2 sporting code guidelines. These works were completed in time for the first AFL clash of the season at UTAS Stadium. 

“Umpires, officials and players now have refurbished change rooms, medical, massage and strapping rooms, a briefing room, warm up and training spaces, delivered by Tasmanian firm Fairbrother. 

“This project has enhanced the AFL experience for both players and officials and is just the beginning of improvements at UTAS which are poised to make Launceston a powerhouse for national sporting and entertainment events, boosting business, tourism, and local pride. 

“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future gives Tasmanians access to the sporting and entertainment facilities they need to succeed, which is what these upgrades will do,” Minister for Sports and Events Nick Duigan said. 

This project addresses critical infrastructure needs while its design prioritises sustainability and heritage considerations, with conditions ensuring the reuse of timber from a removed Dutch elm tree. In addition, four new trees will be planted to enhance the precinct’s parkland setting. 

Due to site constraints the removal of the Dutch elm tree was deemed unavoidable however, the Council has imposed strict conditions that will help protect the remaining trees and document the tree’s contribution to the site’s heritage. 

Within three months of the Dutch elm tree’s removal, a photographic record will be archived and a plan for reusing the timer will be developed. 

Source: Premier of Tasmania – Latest News; Tasmanian Government – Department of State Growth; City of Launceston; Pulse Tasmania