Proposed Kings Wharf remediation to unlock Convention Centre Precinct
Published on 22 December 2025
A bold proposal by JMC Group, backed by a significant commitment from the City of Launceston, would deliver major remediation of a degraded section of the kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary riverbank and unlock a new, world-class Convention Centre Precinct - a project described as a genuine game-changer for Launceston and Northern Tasmania.
The City of Launceston has committed $5 million toward critical Kings Wharf riverbank remediation works proposed by JMC Group, recognising both the cultural significance of the kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary and the urgent need to restore a long-neglected stretch of river edge.
The proposed remediation works - which include a new 400m, 15m-wide public boardwalk, landscaped green spaces, gazebos with amenities, improved access and parking - are essential to enabling the construction of a new Convention Centre Precinct adjacent to the Peppers Silo Hotel and Riverbend precinct.
The $35 million Convention Centre and river remediation project is contingent on the below funding contributions:
- $20m commitment from the JMC Group/ Stewart family & partners
- $5m commitment from the City of Launceston for riverbank remediation
- $10m contribution from the Tasmanian Government
If the State Government agrees to provide the remaining $10m needed to make the project a reality, JMC Group will design, construct and deliver the full project at a fixed price with cost overruns borne by the developer.
The centre proposed is a 4,000m² convention facility, located approximately 50m north of the Peppers Silo Hotel, with capacity to host up to 1000 people for major functions, supported by 300 on-site car parks and future hotel expansion opportunities as part of the wider Riverbend Master Plan.
In addition to the Convention Centre and riverbank restoration works, JMC Group has also committed to delivering a new 120-room hotel alongside the proposed Convention Centre.
Mr Stewart said the extra accommodation would significantly strengthen Launceston’s capacity to host large-scale business events, conferences and conventions, and ensure the benefits flowed across the broader visitor economy to existing hotels, hospitality venues and tourism operators.
An independent Launceston Convention Facilities Demand Study commissioned this year by Visit Northern Tasmania confirmed that Launceston is currently constrained by the lack of a contemporary, fit-for-purpose convention facility - despite strong underlying demand.
The study found that with appropriate enabling infrastructure, Launceston could:
- Double the number of business events hosted each year
- Capture approximately 40 business events annually
- Generate tens of thousands of additional visitor nights, with significant flow-on benefits for hotels, hospitality, retail and tourism operators across Northern Tasmania
- Unlock new opportunities in key growth sectors including health, defence, green energy, agriculture, science and advanced manufacturing
Importantly, the study highlighted that most of this demand would be new and accretive to Tasmania, rather than displaced from elsewhere in the State .
Mayor Matthew Garwood said the proposal represented a rare opportunity to deliver both environmental repair and long-term economic benefit.
"This is about restoring the kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary to the standard it deserves while unlocking a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Launceston,” Mayor Garwood said.
"Council’s $5 million commitment recognises the terrible state of this section of riverbank and the huge public benefit that would come from fixing it properly - for locals, visitors and future generations.
"But let me be clear - neither the river remediation or the Convention Centre Precinct can proceed without the Tasmanian Government stepping up and committing to the $10 million they've been asked to contribute. This is a true partnership project that needs to be locked in and moving forward."
JMC Group Managing Director Errol Stewart said the project would leave a lasting legacy for the city and the State.
"We are ready to invest $20 million of our own capital to build a convention facility and riverfront precinct that showcases Launceston and Tasmania on a national stage,” Mr Stewart said.
"Kings Wharf was lost decades ago - this proposal restores the river edge, reconnects the city to the water and delivers a convention centre that Launceston has needed for years.
"We have the experience, the track record and the appetite to deliver this, at a fixed price with all construction risk on us.
"What we need now is for the State Government to commit so we can turn this vision into reality.”
Mr Stewart said his family’s long-term investment in Launceston included landmark developments such as Seaport, the Silos, and the CH Smith redevelopment - projects that have helped redefine the city’s waterfront and economic profile over recent decades.
Strong industry backing
VNT CEO Tracey Mallett said business event and conference delegates were the highest yielding visitors to Northern Tasmania, and the demand study showed that Launceston needed to expand its capacity to host these events.
"We identified the current challenges around venues, air access, hotel accommodation and supporting infrastructure," Ms Mallett said.
"With the right investment in these areas, Launceston will be poised to attract a significant number of new business events.
"This collaborative development proposal directly addresses recommendations in the demand study and would absolutely support Launceston’s ability to attract those high-yielding business events."
Business Events Tasmania CEO Marnie Craig said investing in conference infrastructure would boost Launceston’s visitor economy.
"The demand study is clear - Launceston has the appeal, the capability and the industry support, but it needs the right facility," Ms Craig said.
"We welcome any investment in the sector that would deliver increased capacity and the ability to showcase the entire North of the State to locals and visitors.
"The design and location of this proposal would deliver in spades for the business events sector and the broader tourism and hospitality sectors."
Launceston Chamber of Commerce CEO Alina Bain said the precinct would be transformational for the local economy.
“This project would be a catalyst for jobs, investment and confidence across Northern Tasmania,” Ms Bain said.
“Business visitors are high-value visitors. Independent analysis shows they spend around three times more than leisure tourists - up to $1400 per day, stay longer, and support local businesses right across the year.
"A single 1000-delegate conference can inject up to $5.9 million into the local economy, filling hotel rooms mid-week and driving custom for restaurants, retailers, transport operators and professional services.
“Importantly, our accommodation and tourism members who are already servicing the business events market are strongly supportive of this proposal. A steady pipeline of business events creates future certainty, encourages reinvestment in existing properties, and strengthens the quality and competitiveness of Launceston’s accommodation offer.
“The Chamber strongly supports this proposal and urges the State Government to come on board and partner in an investment that delivers sustained demand and revenue generation for Launceston and the wider region.”
Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania CEO Amy Hills said new and improved business events infrastructure for the North would support Tasmania's Statewide tourism strategy.
"From a purely tourism perspective, we know that conferences have the ability to help smooth out peaks and troughs in demand and ensure that there is a steady pipeline of work for our tourism and hospitality sector businesses and their employees," Ms Hill said.
"It's also true that delegates tend to stay for additional days and explore surrounding regions - so more conferences for Launceston means more visitors at different times of the year exploring more of our State.
"The TICT has been advocating for both sides of politics to support such a development for some time, and we're ready to realise the immense potential Launceston and its surrounding regions have in fuelling Tasmania’s visitor economy."
What happens next
JMC Group has commenced detailed design and costing work for the riverbank remediation and convention centre which will be provided to Council and the State Government for formal ratification.
However, the City of Launceston’s $5 million contribution is explicitly contingent on the Tasmanian Government committing $10 million to the project.
If this commitment is made, Mr Stewart said construction would commence following approvals - delivering a new riverfront destination, a major piece of economic infrastructure and a legacy project the city, state and private sector can be proud of.