Plans Approved for Retail Precinct in Transformation of DEC

The Derwent Entertainment Centre (DEC) and Wilkinson’s Point in Hobart are set to undergo a bold transformation after the Tasmanian Planning Commission approved the site area plan.

The approval has paved the way for the development of a major retail precinct adjacent to the DEC, with expressions of interest now being sought.

Work on the redevelopment of the DEC will begin next month ahead of Team Tasmania’s entry into the Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League for the 2021-22 Season.

The upgrade of the DEC is being funded by a $68.5 million package by the Tasmanian Government including a $20 million four-court indoor multi-sport facility.

The site area plan approved by the Tasmanian Planning Commission also opens the way for a $150 million retail, restaurant and hotel development. The approval of the plan can be viewed here.

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: “As well as the DEC we want to start the transformation of the surrounding area including a new retail precinct which we expect will attract a lot of interest from local retailers.

“The retail precinct will enjoy prime location on Brooker Highway with easy access to the DEC and a short distance from MONA. It will comprise of food and beverage venues, apparel, leisure, adventure, sporting and other brands and stores that will want to capitalise on the prime street fronted retail location with thousands of cars passing by along the Brooker Highway. There will also be ample parking for those using the precinct and nearby DEC and Wilkinson’s Point area.”

Further information and expressions of interest in the new retail precinct can be made to Alia.Trionfi@lkg.com.au.

“The DEC will be transformed into a world class venue for Tasmania, hosting NBL games in front of over 4,000 fans and feature first class corporate facilities, state of the art audio-visual experiences and brand new amenities for families,” Kestelman said.

“The new DEC will also host concerts featuring performers from Australia and around the world in front of over 8,000 people as well as conventions and other major events for Tasmania.”

The Chief Executive of Team Tasmania, Simon Brookhouse welcomed the approval of the plans as work prepared to start on refurbishing the DEC.

“As the Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said, the development of the DEC and surrounding area will boost economic activity in Tasmania, attract new investment and create hundreds of new jobs,” he said.

“Importantly, it will also put Tasmania on the national and international stage with its own NBL team and we look forward to building a great team all Tasmanians can be proud of.”

Team Tasmania has hit the ground running with a number of key appointments already made. The name of the new team will be announced on October 1 along with the launch of the team’s first foundation memberships ahead of its entry into the Hungry Jack’s NBL in 2021-22.