A commitment has been made to close the Ashley Youth Detention Centre as soon as possible.
The decision to close Ashley Youth Detention Centre and build a new facility aligns with the recommendations of the Youth Justice Blueprint and the Tasmanian Government’s Commission of Inquiry. These recommendations prioritise therapeutic approaches.
The Development Application for the new Tasmanian Youth Justice Facility at 466 Brighton Road, Pontville has now been advertised by the Southern Midlands Council and can be seen here.
Artist’s impression of the new Tasmanian Youth Justice Facility – Entry.
Timeline
After the completion of public consultation in 2023 and feasibility studies in 2024, a site at 466 Brighton Road, Pontville (located in the Southern Midlands LGA), has been chosen as the site for the new Tasmanian Youth Justice Facility.
A detailed overview of the public consultation can be found in the Community Engagement Outcomes Report.
Detailed site investigations of the Pontville site were undertaken, including:
- Planning analysis
- Aboriginal heritage assessment and sub-surface investigations
- Natural values assessment
- Infrastructure feasibility study
- Geotechnical assessments
A New Tasmanian Youth Justice Facility Masterplan has been developed for the site.
Consultation on the Masterplan
A Community Consultation and Feedback Summary Report [PDF,1.15MB] has been prepared that provides a summary of the feedback received during consultation on the Masterplan, and how this has been responded to.
Early Works Design
Early works will be progressed ahead of the building of the facility.
These include:
- landscaping around the perimeter of the site so that it can grow before the facility opens
- providing site access and underground services prior to the start of building.
Landscaping around the perimeter of the site is now underway. Design of the site access and underground services is progressing.
Facility Design
The facility design process continues after the release of the Masterplan in May 2025 and lodgement of the Development Application.
Design is progressing through the detailed design phase which will eventually be suitable to inform the procurement of a building contractor.
Development Assessment
A Development Application was submitted to the Southern Midlands Council.
Council has assessed the Development Application against the Tasmanian Planning Scheme in accordance with Land Use and Planning Approvals Act, 1993. The Development Application has now been approved, and a planning permit has been issued.
The expected construction commencement date is TBC.
The expected construction completion date is 2027.