Stadium gate development kicks off

Published on 23 January 2018

The City of Launceston will next week begin a $400,000 redevelopment of the University of Tasmania Stadium's Gate 1 entrance, towards the northern end of the stadium on Invermay Road.

The work, which is being jointly funded by the Federal Government, will see the construction of a new pedestrian and service vehicle entrance, including a dedicated ticket selling area, barcode scanning area, security station and lighting.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the redevelopment would allow greatly enhanced access to the stadium for both patrons and service vehicles.

"There are countless social, cultural, and tourism benefits that flow from having a cutting-edge sporting stadium in Launceston," Mayor van Zetten said.

"However, we always need to be looking at how we can improve it and to ensure the facilities we are providing are meeting contemporary needs.

"This project involves a significant upgrade of the public entry forecourt at the University of Tasmania Stadium on Invermay Road, and is going to allow us to develop a more visually pleasing entry, something more befitting Northern Tasmania's premiere sporting facility, as well as an upgraded entry point for vehicles.

"The new forecourt has been designed to provide a more efficient way of getting large crowds into the stadium, and it will be more in keeping with similar sporting stadiums around the country."

Liberal Senator for Tasmania, David Bushby, said he was delighted to see yet another election commitment being delivered.

“At the last election, Andrew Nikolic secured $200,000 towards this $400,000 project – so it is very exciting to be announcing that construction is set to begin next week,” Senator Bushby said.

“UTAS Stadium is already renowned as having one of the best playing surfaces in the country. With the stadium regularly hosting both AFL and cricket matches, its important the infrastructure is able to handle the large crowds effectively and safely. With Invermay Road just meters away from key stadium entry points, construction of a purpose barcoding area and security station, amongst other upgrades, will be a great win for patrons attending future games and events at the stadium, moving people in and out of the ground quickly.

“With construction beginning next Tuesday, it is expected the project will be completed in time for the Hawthorn vs St Kilda AFL match on 28 April.”