Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub

Project

Tasmania’s largest multi-purpose community sporting and recreation facility has opened in Mowbray, in Launceston’s northern suburbs. The $62.5 million Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub was funded by the Tasmanian Government, the Australian Government and the City of Launceston, and officially opened in March 2026.

The Hub houses seven indoor courts, gymnastics and rock-climbing facilities, health and fitness spaces, community meeting rooms, youth engagement areas and a café.

Design

Designed by Philp Lighton Architects and built by Vos Construction & Joinery, the Hub breathes new life into a former industrial site, reusing its existing steel structures to cut embodied carbon.

Outside, a new plaza with a sweeping canopy and garden beds, landscaped by Karen Johnson Landscape Design, welcomes visitors. It’s the perfect spot to sit, chat and catch your breath between games.

Equipment

Urbania supplied three moveart Wave Seats for the plaza. Evocative of a breaking wave, each sculptural seat has a flowing, non-uniform backrest that lets people relax their back however suits them best. Set on concrete plinths, they’ve become a natural meeting point for players, families and spectators.

Like every moveart design, the Wave grows from a single form, the double helix of DNA. Each seat is 2.2 metres long and crafted from sustainable Accoya timber, with a minimum outdoor lifespan of 25 years. They’re low maintenance and resistant to vandalism, too.