On 18 November 2024, Council received official notification that the Kingston Twin Ovals had been selected as the site for the development of the Tasmanian Devil’s High Performance Training Centre. The announcement is a significant boost for Kingborough, with the facility projected to deliver an ongoing boost of $55m annually to the local region.
The project will include the construction of two new ovals within the Kingborough Sports Precinct, one above and one below the Twin Ovals. There will be an impact on some of the facilities currently located in these areas, with Council committed to reconstructing or relocating these on a like for like basis.
The project is being funded by the State Government and the AFL, with Council’s contribution being the provision of land and staff assistance. The governance structure and delineation of roles and responsibilities for the project are currently being determined by the respective parties, with work due to commence early in the new year.
Council will be providing regular updates to the community on the status of the project as it progresses. Whilst the finer detail of various elements of the project is still to be resolved, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions to date:
Where will the Tigers FC train and play their matches?
The existing cricket oval will become a shared use ground between the Devils and the Tigers. The turf centre wicket will be removed, and it will become the match ground for the Tigers home games. The Tigers will have access to this ground all year round for training, with access to the two new ovals during the winter season. The existing pavilion will continue to be used by the Tigers as their clubroom base.
What facilities will the Kingborough District Cricket Club use?
The Knights will relocate to the newly developed oval above the Twin Ovals. This oval will have a turf centre wicket, turf practice wickets and new clubrooms and changerooms. The new oval below the Twin Ovals will also have a turf centre wicket and will be available for use by the Knights for lower grade, junior and women’s matches.
What ovals will the Devils use?
The Devils will have exclusive use of the existing AFL oval and will share use of the existing cricket oval with the Tigers FC.
Where will the High Performance Training Centre be located?
Whilst the exact location is yet to be determined, the HPC will be constructed above the existing AFL oval (in the vacant area below the Kingston Tennis Club).
What will happen to the Kingston View Drive dog exercise area?
The development of a new oval will require this facility to be relocated. Council is currently working with the Kingborough Dog Walking Association to determine suitable alternate options.
What will happen to the area currently used by the Southern Dog Obedience Club?
A new oval will be developed on this site. Council is currently working with the Club on an alternate location to support their activities.
What will happen to the Mountain Bike Park and Pump Track?
These facilities will be reconstructed on a like for like basis within the Precinct.
What provision will be made for improved traffic flow and access to the Precinct?
Gormley Drive will be sealed as part of the project (including kerb and gutter, plus a footpath). A condition of Council’s bid for the project required the State Government to fund the construction of the Spring Farm connection road with Kingston View Drive within three years.
What provision is being made for increased carparking within the Precinct?
New carparks will be constructed to support the use of the AFL HPC and the two new ovals.
Will Gormley Park be upgraded as part of the project?
The upgrade of Gormley Park to incorporate a 400m running track is not included within the scope of works for this project.
Will other users of the Precinct be impacted by the project?
There will be no direct impact on other users. However, construction activity is likely to require temporary traffic management measures within the Precinct. Council will provide regular updates to the community on the status of the project as it progresses and any traffic impacts that may affect community access in the areas.
What level of public access will there be to facilities within the AFL HPC?
To be determined.
