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at 100-106 Wilson St, featuring one Supreme Court, two Magistrate Courts, and an additional shared court, replacing the outdated current facility.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
June 2025: The project also completed its Design Development phase, incorporating stakeholder feedback and refining the design.
It will now move to the Construction Documentation phase, preparing detailed plans for the main construction tender.
Construction is expected to start in 2026, pending final approvals.
May 2025: Burnie City Council approved a permit for demolition and enabling works at 100-106 Wilson Street. A tender process is underway to appoint a contractor for these early works, which include clearing the site for future development.
June 2024: Xsquared Architects were appointed to design the new Burnie Courts Complex and began stakeholder meetings.
December 2023: Site acquisition for 100-106 Wilson Street properties were settled.
Burnie Courts Relocation Background
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2022: A report highlighted issues with the current building, including friable asbestos, safety and access concerns, outdated services, inefficient workflow, and non-compliant disability access.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.
March 2027: Anticipated completion and operational status of the new Burnie Courts Complex.