Proposed stadium in Australia
Macquarie Point Stadium is a proposed multi-purpose stadium in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, scheduled to begin construction in 2025 and open in 2029 as the home ground of a Tasmanian AFL team.[1][2]
Background
Macquarie Point was an industrial site that ceased being used as freight transport hub in 2014 with the closure of the South railway line terminal and opening of the Brighton Transport Hub.[3][4] It was identified as a future urban renewal site, with the establishment of the Macquarie Point Development Corporation, a statutory authority under the Tasmanian Government. It received $50m in initial funding from the Federal Government.[5] Various proposals, including a 2016 masterplan by acclaimed Australian architect John Wardle for the site were developed, primarily with a focus on retail, hospitality, public space and residential. While a stadium was not part of any of these plans, the slow pace of activity at the site[6] prompted third parties to publish unsolicited designs including a stadium.[7]
In 2020, the Tasmanian Government agreed to purchase the Derwent Entertainment Centre from the Glenorchy City Council.[8][9] Soon thereafter, they established a new statutory entity, Stadiums Tasmania, to be responsible for management of sporting venues across the state.[10]
Timeline
In February 2022, the Tasmanian Government commissioned a report for a site selection process for a stadium in Hobart. It indicated that Regatta Point and Macquarie Point were the two preferred locations, with a stadium having a capacity of 25,000 with an operable roof and moveable banks of seating to configure the ground for different events.[11] The location at Macquarie Point was confirmed as the preferred location in September 2022.[12]
The final business case was released in December 2022, indicating the Tasmanian Government would contribute $375m of the total cost.[13]
On 29 April 2023, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Hobart to confirm that the Federal Government would contribute the final $240m required for the development: construction is expected to begin in 2025 with a 2029 completion date.[1][2]
On 12 May 2023, members of parliament Lara Alexander and John Tucker resigned from the Liberal Party to sit as independents, in part due to their concerns over the proposed stadium project. This left the Liberal party in minority government, and also requiring seven seats to reach a majority at the next state election.[14]
