Media release – Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST), 17 January 2023
A Step forward for Hobart Showground Redevelopment
The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) has appointed Tasmanian construction company Fairbrother as its Head Contractor for the multi million dollar redevelopment of the Hobart Showground.
The Society this year will embark on a visionary project to completely redevelop the Hobart Showground into a world class events and living space. The first phase, a new showground arena and pavilion, will cost $55 million. Later stages will include significant community infill housing, together with supporting amenities.
The Showground has a footprint equivalent to one third of the Hobart CBD, and lies just a 10 minute drive north of the city. “This project will transform Glenorchy with an entirely new events, community, and living asset,” says Scott Gadd, CEO of the RAST.
“It will be a staged project with a pavilion and arena for the Royal Hobart Show as the first priorities. The Show itself will continue to be based at the Regatta Ground until the first stage arena and pavilion are ready to host the Show in 2025”.
Demolition of existing structures at the Showground will commence in the first half of this year.
“After careful consideration we’re very pleased to announce that Fairbrother will be Head Contractor for this project. It’s a partnership between a Tasmanian company with 50 years’ experience in the state, and one of Tasmania’s oldest entities, the 200-year-old RAST.”
Fairbrother was established in 1972 as a small, family-owned and operated Tasmanian business. Since then, it has grown to participate in projects such as the Saffire Resort on the east coast, Brooke St Pier, MONA (Siloam, Pharos, and James Turell), NRAS Melville Street student accommodation, and is also currently delivering the Sorell School expansion. In 2010 the company expanded its operations into Victoria and has also undertaken projects nationally.
“We are proud of our record in the construction of some of Tasmania’s most iconic buildings,” Fairbrother General Manager – Southern Tasmania – Paul Ransley said. “The Hobart Showground is an incredibly significant landmark for the Hobart community, and it is a real honour to be a part of this redevelopment.
“We are committed to supporting the local community,” Mr Ransley said. “This means local jobs on this project, as well as making use of local resources where we can.”
Fairbrother was recognised in last year’s Master Builders Tasmania awards for the best use of Australian-made products in a commercial project, as well as being the Master Builders Tasmania Commercial Builder of the Year.
