PROJECT UPDATE

April 2023

Ben Lomond Shelter

Replacement Project

Background
visitation and for the noticeable increase in summer visitors
The Ben Lomond Public Shelter (and associated amenities) with the national park providing visitors with short walks,
was destroyed by fire in May 2018. The State Government stunning wildflowers and a rich variety of bird life.
has committed to replacing the shelter near the site of the
previous shelter in Ben Lomond National Park. The
construction of a new public shelter will be funded through
the government insurer as part of the insurance claim from
the fire. This update provides a summary of progress on the
Ben Lomond Shelter Replacement Project.

SHELTER DESIGN

The PWS engaged architects from Cumulus Studio in June

2020 to design the replacement shelter and oversee
construction of the shelter in the role of superintendent.
Cumulus Studio developed a concept design that allowed
for two stages of construction: stage 1 - a replacement day
shelter and associated amenities (the current project); and Figure 2 – Artistic render of the new shelter from the existing boardwalk.
stage 2 - a multi-purpose facility connected to the public
shelter (to provide a basis for future funding applications).
The PWS currently only has funding to undertake Stage 1
(shelter replacement). APPROVALS

After a series of public consultations on draft concept

designs, Cumulus Studio prepared the final detailed design
drawings for the new shelter.
The shelter was then assessed through the Reserve
Activity Assessment (RAA) process (an internal PWS
environmental impact assessment process), which
included scientific input (e.g., natural values surveys for
threatened species) and specialist review of potential
impacts.
After the RAA was approved, the final plans were submitted
to the Northern Midlands Council and building and plumbing
permits were secured.

Figure 1 – Artistic render of the new shelter from the car park.
CONSTRUCTION TENDER PROCESSES

The replacement Ben Lomond Public Shelter will be an
entry point into the Ben Lomond Village providing visitors
with a heated internal area, public toilets and outdoor
decking and will be similar size to the previous building.
The public shelter has been designed to enhance the
experience for visitors enjoying Tasmania’s premier ski
field. The public shelter will also cater for year-round
A public tender for the construction of the replacement
shelter was advertised in April 2021. A pre-tender briefing
was held on site with several interested contractors, but no
tenders were received.
A second tender process was conducted in June 2021 and
three tenders were received. The contract to build the
shelter was awarded to Anstie Constructions in September
2021.

PROJECT UPDATE | APRIL 2023 | 1

CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM HISTORY

The original intention was to have the shelter completed

prior to winter 2022. Due to COVID-19 related impacts to
the building industry, such as supply chain issues with steel
and timber, there were delays that meant this was not
achievable. The building footings were completed prior to
the winter 2022 shutdown period. Works recommenced on
site in September 2022 with a revised completion date of
autumn 2023 agreed by PWS, Cumulus and Anstie.

On Site Progress Figure 5 – External view of the shelter during construction (Mar 2023)

The PWS temporary facilities remain in place. The

temporary shelter will be removed once work on site is
complete. The temporary toilets will remain in place for the
winter 2023 season.

Figure 6 – Internal heated public space during construction (Apr 2023)

Figure 3 – Temporary shelter for use during construction (Dec 2021)
COMPLETION FORECAST
Work on site has progressed despite the impact of
unfavourable weather conditions and further material
delays. Based on the current construction program works
are progressing in line with the anticipated completion
date of Autumn 2023.

Figure 4 – Temporary toilets for use during construction (Dec 2021)

Timber framing of the structure’s flooring, walls and roof

was completed in early 2023, with roof sheeting and
external cladding installed not long after. Windows were
installed by March 2023 making the building weather tight
and allowing works to progress internally without weather
conditions being such a factor. Installation of services, Figure 7 – External view looking towards the north corner of the building (Apr 2023)
internal linings and general fit-out are ongoing, along with
landscaping and civil works.
ENQUIRIES
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM HISTORY This will be the final project update provided, prior to
There are no further road closures anticipated as part of completion of the works. For enquiries relating to the Ben
the project works. If this changes separate notification will Lomond Shelter Project e-mail
be sent out to stakeholders. benlomond@parks.tas.gov.au.

PROJECT UPDATE | APRIL 2023 | 2