Burnie Courts Complex Relocation Project
The Burnie Court Complex project will deliver a modern facility at 100-106 Wilson Street, featuring one Supreme Court, two Magistrates Courts, and an additional shared court, replacing the current outdated facility.
Subject to all necessary permits and approvals, including Parliamentary approvals, construction of the new Burnie Courts Complex is expected to start in the first half of 2026 and be completed by the end of 2027.
Project Updates
The Department of Justice continues to progress this important project in Tasmania’s North West. Enabling works are underway and scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
November 2025
The request for tender was released, following development approval from the Burnie City Council for the new Burnie Courts Complex. This marks a major milestone, confirming that the project can move into its next phase of delivery and clearing a key planning hurdle for construction to proceed.
October 2025
Arts Tasmania and the Department of Justice opened expressions of interest for a commissioned outdoor artwork to feature in the new complex’s main forecourt. Tasmanian artists are invited to apply for the $72,000 + GST opportunity, with applications closing on 17 November 2025.
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.
September 2025
The project progressed into the Construction Documentation phase, where detailed technical drawings and specifications are being finalised ahead of the Request for Tender for the main construction contract.
Batchelor Construction Group was appointed to undertake enabling works at 100–106 Wilson Street, including environmental assessments, preparation of management plans, stakeholder engagement, and on-site activities. Major enabling works began on 9 September and will continue through to year’s end.
These works will clear the site for the new Burnie Courts Complex, including the demolition and removal of existing buildings and infrastructure. Strict risk management controls are in place to minimise disruption to local businesses and the community. Batchelor Construction Group has over 40 years’ experience in Tasmanian civil and building projects.
August 2025:
The Department of Justice lodged the development application with Burnie City Council for the new courts complex. This submission included building design, site layout, and landscaping details, representing a critical move from design to pre-construction and ensuring all planning requirements are in place before major works commence.
June 2025:
The project completed the Design Development phase, incorporating detailed feedback from judicial officers, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders. Key refinements focused on courtroom configuration, public accessibility, safety, and upgraded technology. With these refinements endorsed, the project advanced into the Construction Documentation phase to prepare final plans for tender
May 2025:
Burnie City Council granted approval for demolition and enabling works at the site. The Department of Justice subsequently issued a tender for early works contractors to undertake demolition, earthworks, fencing, and the removal of a suspected Underground Petroleum Storage System. These activities form the foundation for clearing and preparing the Wilson Street site.
June 2024:
Xsquared Architects were appointed to lead the design of the new courts complex, marking the formal start of the project’s design phase. Early stakeholder consultations began, ensuring that operational needs, community expectations, and best-practice justice infrastructure principles were incorporated from the outset.
Project Background
December 2023
The Tasmanian Government finalised acquisition of 100–106 Wilson Street, consolidating all property titles into a single lot for the new courts complex.
July 2023
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia began temporary sittings in Burnie and confirmed plans for a permanent presence in the new complex. The 2023–24 State Budget committed an additional $46.5 million, bringing total project funding (including federal contributions) to $86.5 million.
March 2023
The Government selected 100–106 Wilson Street as the preferred location for the new Burnie Courts Complex.
February 2023
Public consultation on potential CBD locations for the new complex closed.
December 2022
The Government announced two suitable CBD site options:
March 2022
The Government reversed its earlier decision to relocate the courts to Mooreville Road and committed to retaining the courts in the CBD, beginning an expression-of-interest process for alternative sites.
February 2022
Burnie City Council opposed the planned relocation to Mooreville Road, raising concerns about negative impacts on CBD activity and accessibility.
2022
A comprehensive report identified serious issues at the existing CBD courthouse: friable asbestos, unsafe access, outdated building services, inefficient workflows, and non-compliant disability access. The Department initially proposed constructing a new facility at the University of Tasmania’s Mooreville Road campus.
2019
The Department of Justice approved an upgrade to the existing CBD complex but determined it was unsafe to redevelop while operating. Four options were evaluated: renovating while occupied, shifting operations to a temporary site, building a new facility, or using remote service delivery.
Early 1970s
The existing Burnie court building opened in 1970, built for $800,000 by North-West Contractors. Featuring 164 rooms and a distinctive circular courtroom design, it aimed to improve acoustic performance and modernise court operations for the era.