$1.5 million investment for popular Hobart sport precinct

The busiest sports precinct in Hobart is set to receive upgrades to allow for greater capacity following a $1.5 million investment by the Tasmanian Government.

Advising that Stage 1 of the New Town Sports Precinct Project is set to commence with upgrades to the facility’s netball courts, Tasmanian Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan stated “the New Town Sports Precinct is the home of several sports clubs, including the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre and New Town District Cricket Club, and there is currently very limited capacity for most sports to accommodate growth in participation numbers.

“The Governments investment of $1 million will be used to convert a bowling green into two additional floodlit netball courts, including fencing, synthetic grass surrounds, and sun protection on existing bowling greens.

Further funding of $500,000 has also enabled the completion of a detailed precinct plan, based on the 2019 New Town Sports Precinct Master Plan.

The $60 million plan, originally endorsed by Hobart City Council in 2019, aims to secure the future of the precinct as a premier sporting hub for the community.

It calls for significant upgrades such as improved parking facilities, an indoor netball court capable of hosting Australian Netball League matches, better function spaces, and modern changerooms and public toilets.

Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor, Dr Zelinda Sherlock said the Council remains committed to delivering this vision and will continue to advocate for further funding from state and federal governments.

Dr Sherlock noted “we’re really hopeful that we will be able to advocate and put this as a priority for the federal government and of course we will also be knocking on the doors of the state government.”

Construction is expected to commence this month and wrap up mid-year.

Image: Tasmanian Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan (thired from left) with stakeholders at the New Town Sports Precinct.