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at 100-106 Wilson St, featuring one Supreme Court, two Magistrate Courts, and an additional shared court, replacing the outdated current facility.
Project Updates
Enabling works for the Burnie Courts Complex are set for late 2025, with construction starting in early 2026 and completion expected by late 2027.
September 2025:
The Department of Justice continues to progress this important project in the State’s North West.
The Department of Justice has now submitted a development application for the replacement Burnie Courts Complex to the Burnie City Council, representing a significant milestone for the delivery of this important project.
The project has now progressed into the Construction Documentation (CD) phase, during which detailed technical drawings and specifications are being prepared to support the upcoming Request for Tender (RFT) for construction process. This phase is critical and will ensure the design is fully resolved and ready for market engagement.
Subject to gaining all the necessary permits and approvals (including Parliamentary approvals), the Department of Justice expects the construction of the new Burnie Courts Complex to commence in the first half of 2026 and be completed by the end of the 2027.
Site enabling works
Following the tender evaluation process, the Department is pleased to advise that Tasmanian firm- Batchelor Construction Group, has been appointed as the contractor to undertake the enabling works at the 106 Wilson Street site.
Batchelor Construction Group (BCG) has over four decades of experience delivering civil and building construction projects across Tasmania for private clients, local and state governments.
The enabling works will include the demolition and removal of existing buildings and infrastructure at the 100-106 Wilson Street site, clearing the site of the new Courts Complex.
Now that the contractor has been appointed and that the permit for the enabling works has been granted by the Burnie City Council, these works can proceed.
Although formal site possession for the enabling works package is scheduled for Tuesday 9 September 2025, Batchelor Construction Group is progressing with a number of key preparatory activities, including the development of management plans, environmental assessments, GPS file preparation, and stakeholder engagement.
Importantly, the contractor will be implementing a number of risk management controls to ensure that there is minimal disruption to business and community as a result of these works.
The main enabling works are scheduled to commence on Tuesday 9 September 2025 and be completed by the end of the year.
The Design of the new Burnie Courts Complex: Rendered images below of the replacement Burnie Courts Complex that is being progressed at the 106 Wilson Street site.
August 2025:
The Department of Justice lodged a development application with Burnie City Council for the new Burnie Courts Complex at 100–106 Wilson Street. This marks a key milestone as the project moves from design into preparation for construction. The application covers the full scope of works, including site layout, building design, and landscaping, ensuring all planning requirements are met before works commence.
June 2025:
The project successfully completed the Design Development phase, incorporating feedback from judicial officers, legal professionals, and community stakeholders. Refinements focused on courtroom layouts, public access, security, and technology integration. The project has now entered the Construction Documentation phase, where detailed plans and specifications will be prepared for the main construction tender.
May 2025:
Burnie City Council approved demolition and enabling works. The Department of Justice issued a tender for contractors to handle early site preparation including: demolition, earthworks, fencing, and removal of a suspected Underground Petroleum Storage System.
June 2024:
Xsquared Architects, were appointed and began the design phase and initiated stakeholder design consultations.
Background
Burnie Courts Relocation
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.
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.
February 2022: Burnie City Council opposed the relocation to Mooreville Road, citing negative impacts on the CBD.
March 2022: The Government reconsidered and decided to keep the courthouse in the CBD, initiating an expression of interest process for new sites.
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
February 2023: Public consultation on the new location closed.
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 including federal funding to $86.5 million.
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.
December 2023: The site acquisition of 100–106 Wilson Street was finalised and property titles consolidated into a single lot.