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Wilson Street, featuring one Supreme Court, two Magistrates Courts, and an additional shared court, replacing the outdated current facility.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.
October 2025
Arts Tasmania and the Department of Justice are inviting Tasmanian artists to submit expressions of interest for an outdoor artwork in the main forecourt of the new Courts Complex. Artwork budget: $72,000 + GST. Applications close Monday, 17 November 2025. Learn more and apply at
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 100-106 Wilson Street site.
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.
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
Marked a key milestone for this major project. The project has now advanced into the Construction Documentation (CD) phase, where detailed technical drawings and specifications are being prepared to support the upcoming Request for Tender (RFT).
Batchelor Construction Group (BCG), with over 40 years’ experience in Tasmanian civil and building projects, was appointed to carry out enabling works at 100–106 Wilson Street. Preparatory activities include management plans, environmental assessments, GPS file preparation, and stakeholder engagement. Main enabling works commenced on 9 September 2025 and are scheduled for completion by year’s end.
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 Planning Timeline
December 2023: The site acquisition of 100–106 Wilson Street was finalised and property titles consolidated into a single lot.
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. 2023–24 State Budget: An additional $46.5 million was committed, bringing the total including federal funding to $86.5 million.
March 2023: The Government selected 100–106 Wilson Street as the preferred location.
February 2023: Public consultation on the new location closed.
December 2022: The Government announced two suitable CBD sites for the new Burnie Court Complex:
39–41 Alexander Street & 54–56 Mount Street.
100–106 Wilson Street.
March 2022: The Government reconsidered and decided to keep the courthouse in the CBD, initiating an expression of interest process for new sites.
February 2022: Burnie City Council opposed the relocation to Mooreville Road, citing negative impacts on the CBD.
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.
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.
Early 1970s: The building was opened in 1970 by Chief Justice Sir Stanley Burbury. Built 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