The $3 million project was announced on September 7, with the state government, City of Launceston council, and Rowing Tasmania working with key stakeholders to develop the plan.

Lloyd Luck had been involved with rowing for about 50 years as a life member and former president of the North Esk Rowing Club.

Mr Luck said he didn’t think the new precinct would have a greater impact that what is currently there, but that he hoped it would assist growth in the sport.

“I think it’ll be good for the area, and it will bring other people into the sport,” he said.

“I think it’ll be good for the area. It’ll certainly clear up around that area and it’ll draw a big percentage of the rowing people to that area.”

Mr Luck said the plans are likely to stay much the same.

“I know everything they’ve shown, or that has been seen at the moment, are conceptual plans, but I don’t believe the format is probably going to change too much,” he said.

“The biggest part of this is the Launceston council approached Rowing Tasmania to control the area and to be in control of the area and the rowing precinct.”

Schools such as Launceston Church Grammar School, Scotch Oakburn, and St Patrick’s College have been approached to have tenancies at the new site. The Tasmanian Institute of Sport has already signed on to lease a tenancy.

The Tamar and North Esk Rowing Clubs will both stay in their current positions.

UTAS recently announced a $300,000 investment into rowing in the North, with the Tasmania University Boat Club expanding and establishing a boat shed at the precinct for Northern students.

Mr Luck was approached to assist.

“I’m trying to bring people in from the university themselves to get involved in the sport of rowing. There is an interest there at university, and they’re interested in developing further into rowing,” he said.

The masterplan for the precinct is due to be completed by October.