UTAS Stadium redevelopment gets green light
Published on 17 April 2025
The City of Launceston Council has today paved the way for a transformative $130 million redevelopment of UTAS Stadium, approving a development application which will mark a significant milestone for Northern Tasmania’s premier sporting and events precinct.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the redevelopment would deliver essential upgrades and align the stadium with Australian Tier 2 guidelines, enhancing spectator experiences and ensuring the venue’s longevity as a world-class facility.
The approved Development Application includes the construction of a new Centre West Stand, additional seating in the Western Stand, and a redeveloped Eastern Stand.
Key features of the project include modern player amenities, corporate spaces, improved food and beverage outlets, and enhanced pedestrian access.
Mayor Garwood said the approval was a game-changer for Launceston.
"This redevelopment cements UTAS Stadium’s position as northern Tasmania’s hub for sport, entertainment, and community events," Mayor Garwood said.
"It will deliver state-of-the-art facilities for athletes, spectators, and attendees, while boosting local tourism and economic activity."
Stadiums Tasmania Chief Executive Officer James Avery agreed that the approval of the Development Application for the redevelopment of UTAS Stadium was an important milestone for the project.
"The $130 million redevelopment of the venue will ensure the ongoing attraction of marquee events, while providing community users with an elevated event-day experience," Mr Avery said.
"The redevelopment project cements UTAS Stadium’s standing as a premier sports and entertainment venue that delivers a significant range of economic, cultural and social outcomes for Northern Tasmania."
The project addresses critical infrastructure needs, including new lighting, water, sewer, and stormwater systems, ensuring the stadium meets modern operational standards.
The design prioritises sustainability and heritage considerations, with conditions ensuring the reuse of timber from a removed Dutch elm tree and the planting of four new trees to enhance the precinct’s parkland setting.
While the removal of the Dutch elm tree was deemed unavoidable due to site constraints, the Council has imposed strict conditions to protect remaining trees and document the tree’s contribution to the site’s heritage.
A photographic record will be archived, and a plan for reusing the tree’s timber will be developed within three months of its removal.
The redevelopment will maintain UTAS Stadium’s role as the Tasmanian home of the Hawthorn Football Club, the North Launceston Football Club, and host of Big Bash League cricket, alongside concerts, corporate functions, and other major events.