Royal Hobart Show set for three year relocation

The pending redevelopment of the Hobart Showground will see the Royal Hobart Show relocate for three years, with much of this year’s event to be held at the Hobart Regatta Grounds from 20th to 22nd October.

The redevelopment of the Glenorchy Showgrounds, home of the Royal Hobart Show for 118 years, will see the addition of up to 400 apartments around the showground edge.

With the Show expected to be back at its redeveloped site in 2025, the intervening years will focus on the Hobart Regatta Grounds.

However, the temporary location is not suitable for some of the activities which are core to the Show so a number of other dates and locations will be used to ensure the event can occur to its fullest extent.

The Regatta Grounds will feature the traditional entertainment component of the Show for the next three years until the new showground pavilion and arena are ready for use.

This year poultry, rabbit and guinea pigs exhibits will be held at the current showground on 30th July while the old facilities are still available.”

Negotiations are now underway nationally to secure high profile family entertainment for the Show in October.

Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) Chief Executive, Scott Gadd stated “our intention is to concentrate a strong entertainment and carnival presence at the Regatta grounds over the October Show period.

“Other venues and other dates will allow us to undertake competitions in creative crafts and art, and animal judging.

Commenting on the redevelopment, Gadd noted “we are about to commence the third and final stage of the showground redevelopment including a new showground and housing and are awaiting approval to start demolition and construction before October.

“The current site is old and tired with most of the assets, including the in ground assets, beyond their useful life.

“We already work very closely with the Hobart Regatta and we’re hoping this will enable us to expand our demographic.

“It will also provide an opportunity for a rethink of the Royal Hobart Show.

“When we return we hope to stage a reinvigorated and more contemporary event that appeals more to the modern audience.”

Finalisation of the DA process for the redevelopment of the Showground now awaits one last consultant’s report as required by Glenorchy City Council. The redevelopment schedule has been adjusted to commence later this year, to accommodate this process.

Showground activities, including the Sunday Market and Motorhome Park, will continue on a month-by-month basis until the final dates are set for the redevelopment to commence.