Burnie Courts Complex Relocation Project
The Burnie Court Complex project will build a new facility at 100-106 Wilson St, featuring one Supreme Court, two Magistrate Courts, and an additional shared court, replacing the outdated current facility.
Burnie Courts Relocation Project Timeline
Early 1970s: The building was opened in 1970 by Chief Justice Sir Stanley Burbury. Build by North-West Contractors (Burnie) Pty Ltd the 164-room building was constructed for $800,000. The courtrooms were designed in a round shape, with a circular Supreme Court room and a squared public end. The round design was intended to improve acoustics.
July 2019: The Department of Justice approved an upgrade to the CBD Complex but deemed it unsafe for redevelopment alongside daily court operations. Four options were considered: maintaining operations during construction, decanting to a temporary location, developing a new facility, and remote service delivery.
2022: A report highlighted issues with the current building, including friable asbestos, safety and access concerns, outdated services, inefficient workflow, and non-compliant disability access. The Department decided to create a new facility at the University of Tasmania’s Mooreville Road campus.
21 February 2022: Burnie City Council opposed the relocation to Mooreville Road, citing negative impacts on the CBD.
23 March 2022: The Government reconsidered and decided to keep the courthouse in the CBD, initiating an expression of interest process for new sites.
22 December 2022: The Government announced two suitable CBD sites for the new Burnie Court Complex:
- 39-41 Alexander Street and 54-56 Mount Street
- 100-106 Wilson Street
10 February 2023: Public consultation on the new location closed.
18 March 2023: The Government selected 100-106 Wilson Street as the preferred location.
2023-24 State Budget: An additional $46.5 million was committed, bringing the total funding to $86.5 million.
4 July 2023: The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia announced temporary sittings in Burnie, with plans for a permanent presence in the new complex.
6 December 2023: Site acquisition for 100-106 Wilson Street properties were settled.
3 June 2024: Xsquared Architects were appointed to design the new Burnie Courts Complex and began stakeholder meetings.
Early 2025: Expected completion of the Schematic and Detailed Design phases, before June 2025 the project submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works are planned.
March 2027: Anticipated completion and operational status of the new Burnie Courts Complex.