Fairbrother Construction to build Tasmania Devils High Performance Centre

The Tasmania Football Club can proudly announce Tasmanian company Fairbrother Construction has been appointed the successful tenderer to build the Club’s High Performance Centre at the Twin Ovals in Kingston with work set to begin immediately. The 9,000m² High Performance Centre serves as the second key piece of infrastructure development following Batchelor Construction Group beginning the civil works on Oval 3 earlier in July.

The development will be home to the Club’s elite men’s and women’s football program and will also serve as the headquarters for the Club’s administration staff. It is set to become one of the premier facilities in the country, with the aim of creating an elite environment that promotes exceptional outcomes on and off the field. Tasmania Football Club CEO, Brendon Gale said the appointment of Fairbrother marked a major milestone for the Club.

“This is a huge step forward for our Club, our High Performance Centre is an anchor project for our Club. This facility is key to accommodating our staff, attracting and retaining talent and providing an elite environment that will set us up to compete in the AFL and AFLW,” said Gale.

“A project like this doesn’t happen without genuine partnership, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support of the Tasmanian Government, AFL, Kingborough Council and the local community throughout this process. To have a proud Tasmanian company like Fairbrother building this facility, creating local jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for Tasmanians, is something that sits at the core of what we stand for at the Devils.

“We’re pleased to be part of a growing precinct alongside some great fellow tenants including the Knights, Tigers and JackJumpers – this is a precinct for the whole community, not just the Devils.”

The Tasmanian Government has provided funding for the program, and Minister for Sport Nick Duigan said the project will have great outcomes for the state.

“This High Performance Centre is a significant investment in Tasmania’s sporting future, and one that will deliver benefits to the community well beyond football,” said Minister Duigan.

“Projects such as these create local jobs, support Tasmanian businesses, like Fairbrother Construction, and help build a sporting precinct that a whole state can be proud of.

“It’s also another important milestone as we count down to the Devils’ entry into the AFL and AFLW competitions in 2028, and a clear sign that Tasmania is building world-class high performance sport infrastructure.”

Kingborough Council Acting Mayor Christian Street said the project reflected the region’s growing role as a hub for sport and community investment.

“Council welcomes the certainty this appointment brings as the project moves into delivery at Kingston’s Twin Ovals,” said Street.

“Beyond the facility itself, this investment will help generate lasting economic activity across Kingborough, from increased visitation to flow-on benefits for local suppliers, traders and service industries.”

There will also be significant investment made in industry-leading sport technology, medical and recovery areas, including hot/cold and magnesium plunge pools, infrared saunas, along with one of the largest gymnasiums and indoor training areas in the AFL. AFL Executive General Manager – Finance, Clubs and Infrastructure, Matthew Chun, said he was delighted to see the tender process announced publicly ahead of the Devils’ entry in 2028.

“Today’s announcement further demonstrates that the Devils are hitting the infrastructure milestones required to enter the competition in 2028,” said Chun.

“We look forward to seeing it take shape as the Devils continue their preparations to become the AFL and AFLW’s nineteenth and newest club, and it is a credit to the Club and all stakeholders involved who helped bring this project to life.”

Fairbrother Construction has built a strong track record delivering major developments across Tasmania. Fairbrother CEO Kurt Arnold said the project represents a significant opportunity for the business and one they are proud to be a part of.

“As a proud Tasmanian company, we’re honoured to be trusted with a project of this scale and significance,” said Arnold.

“This is one of the most significant sporting infrastructure projects Tasmania has seen in recent years, and we’re looking forward to working closely with the Devils to deliver a facility that is exceptional for our Club and that the whole state can be proud of.”

Also included in the development is the redevelopment of the current main training oval at the Twin Ovals, with the ground set to share the same dimensions as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with this work set to be completed by October 2027 ahead of the Club’s first AFL pre-season.

Completion of the High Performance Centre is expected by mid-2028, and the current clubrooms at Kingborough Cricket and Football Club will serve as the home for the Club’s elite programs until the developments are complete.