Concept art of how the stadium and associated developments might look. Image: Macquarie Point Development Corporation.
The Tasmanian Government’s plans to build a 23,000-seat multipurpose stadium at Macquarie Point are a step closer after the proposal achieved a Project of State Significance Order.
The milestone means the Tasmanian Planning Commission will now undertake an integrated assessment including broad environmental, social and economic considerations of the project. The assessment process is undertaken independent of the government, and will include opportunities for the community to have its say.
The announcement follows October’s release of the draft plan for the redevelopment of Macquarie Point which revealed more detail on transport corridors and how the accompanying developments will fit around the stadium.
The stadium will be part of a larger waterfront and urban renewal development of Macquarie Point under a partnership between the State and Federal Governments.
A government information page says the stadium “will be a unique destination to attract visitors to our state and will finally mean Tasmania can host events that have previously bypassed the state.
“It creates certainty for investment and thousands of new jobs which will give young people a reason to stay in Tasmania,” the page says.
“A new arts, entertainment, and sporting precinct with a stadium at its core will be an important multi-purpose entertainment venue which will provide significant economic, health, social and community benefits not just for Hobart but for the whole state.”
The $715 million stadium is being funded to the tune of $240 million by the Federal Government, $375 million by the Tasmanian Government, $15 million by the Australian Football League (AFL), while the remaining $85 million is expected to be raised through borrowings against land sale or lease for commercial uses. The stadium is expected to be available for play for the 2029 AFL season.
The site will also comprise hospitality venues, convention facilities, an Antarctic Facilities zone, and a truth and reconciliation park developed in liaison with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.
The urban renewal part of the project will see the development of 120 medium density apartments, plus there will be the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor including a bus-rapid-transit service, and the development of a Hobart Transit Centre. Parking and easy access to the precinct have been deemed as “critical parts” of the development, as are ferry services on the adjacent Derwent River.
“The multi-purpose stadium at Mac Point will be the centrepiece of this important precinct, unlocking investment and jobs,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
“The approval of this Order will help progress the Mac Point Stadium as a Project of State Significance, to turn dreams into a reality. Our government is delivering on our long-term plan to create jobs and opportunity for Tasmanian families and build more connected communities.”
