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Street, featuring one Supreme Court, two Magistrates Courts, and an additional shared court, replacing the current outdated facility.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.
May 2026 Fairbrother was awarded the construction contract for the $86.5 million Burnie Courts Complex. Construction commenced in June 2026, with completion expected in 2028.
February 2026 Construction tenders closed following the public tender process.
January 2026 Batchelor Construction Group completed demolition and enabling works on the Wilson Street site, preparing the land for redevelopment.
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November 2025 The Department of Justice released the Request for Tender following development approval for the project, allowing the project to move 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, 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 – Batchelor Construction Group commenced enabling works at 100–106 Wilson Street. Works included environmental assessments, management plans, stakeholder engagement, demolition preparation and site establishment. Major works began on 9 September 2025 to clear the site and remove existing buildings and infrastructure ahead of construction.
August 2025 – The Department of Justice lodged the development application with Burnie City Council. The submission included detailed building designs, site layout plans and landscaping, representing a major transition from design to pre-construction.
June 2025 – The Design Development phase was completed following consultation with judicial officers, legal practitioners and stakeholders. Refinements focused on courtroom layouts, accessibility, safety, security and technology integration before advancing to Construction Documentation.
May 2025 – Burnie City Council approved demolition and enabling works. The Department of Justice subsequently called tenders for early works, including demolition, earthworks, fencing and removal of a suspected underground petroleum storage system.
June 2024 – Xsquared Architects was appointed as lead designer for the new courts complex. Early stakeholder consultation commenced to inform the design and operational requirements of the facility.
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.