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Street, featuring one Supreme Court, two Magistrates Courts, and an additional shared court, replacing the current outdated facility. 

Project Updates

The Department of Justice continues to progress this important project in Tasmania’s North West. 

• August 2026: The project enters its next phase with foundation and piling works commencing,
• July 2026: Site establishment earthworks progressed well, new traffic management, temporary fencing and service relocations to support major construction activities.
• June 2026: Construction commenced with contractor Fairbrother beginning site establishment works.
• May 2026: Fairbrother was awarded the construction contract for the $86.5 million Burnie Courts Complex.
• February 2026: Construction tenders closed following the public tender process.

• January 2026: Batchelor Construction Group completed demolition and enabling works at the Wilson Street site, preparing the land for redevelopment.
• November 2025: Request for Tender was released following development approval, moving the project into the construction procurement phase.
• October 2025: Arts Tasmania and the Department of Justice opened Expressions of Interest for a commissioned outdoor artwork valued at $72,000 for the complex forecourt.

• September 2025: Batchelor Construction Group commenced enabling works at 100–106 Wilson Street, with site establishment, demolition preparation and major site clearance beginning on 9 September.
• August 2025: the development application was lodged, marking the transition from design to pre-construction.

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.

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• June 2025: The Design Development phase was completed following stakeholder consultation, with refinements to courtroom layouts, accessibility, safety, security and technology.
• May 2025: Demolition and enabling works were approved, with the Department of Justice calling tenders for early site works.
• June 2024: Xsquared Architects was appointed lead designer, with stakeholder consultation commencing to help shape the new Burnie Courts Complex.

Project Background 

• December 2023: The Tasmanian Government completed the acquisition of 100–106 Wilson Street, consolidating the site for the new Burnie Courts Complex.
• July 2023: The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia began temporary sittings in Burnie, while the 2023–24 State Budget increased total project funding to $86.5 million.
• March 2023: The Government selected 100–106 Wilson Street as the preferred site for the new Burnie Courts Complex.
• February 2023: Public consultation on potential CBD locations for the new courts complex closed.
• December 2022: The Government announced two shortlisted CBD sites: 39–41 Alexander Street and 54–56 Mount Street, and 100–106 Wilson Street.
• March 2022: The Government reversed plans to relocate the courts to Mooreville Road, committing to retain the facility in Burnie’s CBD.
• February 2022: Burnie City Council opposed the proposed Mooreville Road relocation, citing concerns about CBD activity and accessibility.

• 2022: A comprehensive assessment identified significant issues with the existing CBD courthouse, including asbestos, access challenges, outdated services and non-compliant facilities. A new facility at the University of Tasmania’s Mooreville Road campus was initially proposed.
• 2019: The Department of Justice approved an upgrade of the existing CBD complex but determined redevelopment while operating was impractical. Options assessed included renovation, temporary relocation, a new facility or expanded remote services.
• 1970: The existing Burnie courthouse opened, built for $800,000 by North-West Contractors. The 164-room facility featured a distinctive circular courtroom design to improve acoustics and modernise court operations.