Leading Tasmanian building contractor, Fairbrother Pty Ltd, in partnership with John Holland Pty Ltd, has been awarded the $58.4M construction of the Tasmanian Prisons Redevelopment Program (Stage C) at Risdonvale.

The development includes construction of a 219 bed men's prison, a 45 bed women's prison and a 38 bed secure mental health unit, and the complex's maintenance over 15 years. Fairbrother Managing Director, Craig Edmunds, is excited by this major project and the opportunities it offers his staff and local contractors.

"The joint venture with John Holland will provide us with an excellent opportunity to work with a leading multi-national company to gain additional skills that will assist our growth in the Tasmanian construction industry."

Bob Bennetto, John Holland's Southern Region General Manager, which incorporates Tasmania, says the project will cement the company's strong commitment to Tasmania."The construction phase will provide significant opportunity for local contractors and will ensure the already buoyant industry continues to prosper."

"John Holland's expertise in specialist-purpose buildings includes the soon to be completed Kempsey Correctional Centre in NSW", Mr Bennetto said.

Fairbrother Pty Ltd is the largest building contractor employer in Tasmania with over 150 direct employees and has a significant commitment to training apprentices.

Mr Edmunds said that Fairbrother currently employs 30 apprentices throughout Tasmania and would like to increase this to 40.

"The Tasmanian Prison's project provides us with an excellent opportunity to achieve this important goal", Mr Edmunds said.

View the full list of current and past awards here.