Project: Camp Banksia Redevelopment

Status: Works nearing completion

Update August 2023:   Access to all areas of the Banksia Centre has returned to the front entry on Pitcairn Street.

The office, previously located at the Camp in Anderson Street, is now located in the Banksia Centre, with Port Sorell U3A having a new, dedicated office space within the main foyer.

The redevelopment has expanded the foyer to enable displays and the congregation of groups attending functions within the soon-to-be-completed Performing Arts Centre. This multipurpose area now includes a new, multi-sport vinyl court surface and grandstand seating, while also incorporating audiovisual equipment that includes an 8m wide projection screen. A new modular stage has been purchased to assist with performances and meetings, having the ability to be configured multiple ways.

Redevelopment works are progressing on the landscaping and community play space, with the site due to be entirely handed over to Latrobe Council in September.

To book the Banksia facilities, please email office@campbanksia.com or phone 03 6426 4106 to make a booking.

Update November 2022:  Two construction teams are now working on site, the first focusing on the new accommodation units. These are both almost to lockup stage, with external trades working on electrical & plumbing before plastering can commence. Work will then start on the new camp kitchen area. The second team has commenced internal demolition of the performing arts and office space within the Banksia Centre, to allow for the reconfiguration and extension of these areas. External footings are being prepared for the extension, while inside electrical works continue to suit the new floorplan. The final elements of the public area/play space contract are being worked through, which will then allow this work to also commence and tie in with the final landscaping of the camp area.

Scope: Latrobe Council is undertaking a major redevelopment of Port Sorell’s Camp Banksia and Banksia Centre facilities. The redevelopment will create a vibrant site that offers exciting new opportunities for camping, play, sport and recreation, local history, performing arts and cultural activities.

• In 2020 Council received a $4m commitment from the Commonwealth Government to implement the Camp Banksia master plan. Council also borrowed $1.3m from the Tasmanian Government to enable the project to be delivered.
• The quantity surveyor costed the project, based on the 2018 Master Plan at $6,896,000, nearly $1.6 million over the construction budget of $5.3 million.
• The scope of the works was then changed to meet the budget including only constructing two new accommodation hubs (instead of four), reduced scope of the Performing Arts Centre and oval upgrades, and reduced landscaping and play equipment.
• The redevelopment will see the construction of two new dorm accommodation, extension to the Performing Arts Centre, the creation of an exhibition space in the Banksia Centre for local history and art, and construction of new play spaces for the local community to enjoy.
• Council has awarded the contract for the building and civil works to AJR Construct.
• AJR Construct will commence onsite post-Easter and will work through to late April 2023.
• There will be some impact on the Banksia Facilities, particularly the Performing Arts Centre as part of its extension, however staff will work with the contractor to attempt to ensure the stadium and meeting rooms remain available for use for the duration of the project.
• A second tender will be advertised after Easter for the construction of the play spaces as part of the redevelopment.