Jump to content

Macquarie Point Stadium

Add links
Coordinates: 42°52′46.17″S 147°20′11.05″E / 42.8794917°S 147.3364028°E / -42.8794917; 147.3364028
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Macquarie Point Stadium
Render of the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium.
Map
AddressMacquarie Point, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Coordinates42°52′46.17″S 147°20′11.05″E / 42.8794917°S 147.3364028°E / -42.8794917; 147.3364028
OwnerTasmanian Government
OperatorStadiums Tasmania
TypeMulti-purpose stadium
Capacity23,000
Field shapeOval
SurfaceGrass
Construction
Broke ground2025 (scheduled)
Opened2029 (scheduled)
Tenants
Tasmania Football Club (AFL/AFLW)
Website
www.macpoint.com/stadium

Macquarie Point Stadium is a proposed multi-purpose venue to be constructed at Macquarie Point in Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, Australia. The site is situated on prominent waterfront land between Hobart's historic port precinct and the city's primary northern arterial route. The stadium forms part of an agreement between the Tasmanian Government and the Australian Football League (AFL) to establish a Tasmanian-based AFL team. Construction was initially scheduled to commence in 2025, with the venue projected to open in 2029 as the home ground of the Tasmania Football Club.

This article is part of
a series about
Jeremy Rockliff
Personal
Member for Braddon
Premier of Tasmania
Commissions of Inquiry
Elections

AFL deal and site selection

[edit]
See also: History of the Tasmanian AFL bid and Macquarie Point

The original proposal for a new AFL stadium in Hobart was announced by Premier Peter Gutwein during his March 2022 State of the State address, positioning it as a key requirement in securing a Tasmanian-based Australian Football League (AFL) team. However, in a 2023 interview with ABC News, Gutwein stated there was no pressure from the AFL to build a stadium.[1]

Gutwein's proposal located the stadium at Regatta Point with a $750 million price tag, and envisioned a venue with a retractable roof, permanent seating for 27,000 spectators, and a total capacity of 30,000 for major events and concerts.[2][3]

The proposal to construct a stadium at Macquarie Point emerged from negotiations between the AFL and the Tasmanian Government as part of the establishment of a Tasmanian AFL team. In 2022, the AFL agreed to work with the state on a model for a team, with the expectation that it would include the development of a new stadium.[4]

The Tasmanian Government subsequently commissioned a site selection study. The primary sites considered were Regatta Point and Macquarie Point,[5] with Macquarie Point confirmed as the preferred location in September 2022.[6]

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan formally announced the team's admission to the AFL at North Hobart Oval on 3 May 2023, with the men's team joining the Australian Football League from its 2028 season, and the timeline for its AFL Women's team to be developed later.[7] On the same day, the Tasmanian Government signed a Club Funding and Development Agreement with the AFL, containing a financial pathway in establishing the Tasmanian-based AFL and AFLW Club,[8][note 1] as well as requirements surrounding the construction of a new purpose-built stadium at Macquarie Point[10] including:

  • Seating of 23,000,[11] expandable to 30,000 and adaptable to different types of events, including both circular and rectangular configurations.[11]
  • A fixed, translucent roof.[11]
  • AFL standard and contemporary media facilities.[12]

The agreement outlines financial contributions toward the stadium construction and operations:

  • $15m from the AFL toward the construction of the stadium.[13]
  • $460m from the Tasmanian Government.[14][note 2]
  • $240m from the Federal Government.[15]
  • Ongoing funding of $12m annually over 12 years by the Tasmanian Government.[16]

The agreement further outlines that the Tasmanian Government is solely responsible for any cost overruns associated with the stadium construction,[17] as well as penalties for failure to meet 2 to 3 staged completion dates of $4.5m each time paid to the AFL.[18] The AFL retains the right to terminate the Tasmanian licence or waive the stadium requirement if the government withdraws stadium funding.[17]

Stadium design

[edit]

In mid-2024, Cox Architecture released concept designs for a 23,000-seat multipurpose stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart.[19] The design includes a 1,500-person conference facility and prioritises universal accessibility, with a continuous internal concourse providing step-free access throughout the venue.[19] The project team comprises Cox Architecture in partnership with local practice Cumulus Studio, engineering firms Aecom and Schlaich Bergermann Partner, and the Macquarie Point Development Corporation.[20] Construction is expected to commence in late 2025, with the stadium scheduled to open ahead of the 2029 AFL season.[20]

Roof

[edit]
The Eden Project, England. Biomes are constructed with ETFE cushions.

The original design featured a fully enclosed translucent roof made from ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), supported by a hybrid system of laminated timber, showcasing Tasmanian-sourced glulam and steel.[21] Once completed, it was expected to be the largest timber-roofed stadium in the world.[19][22] The domed roof structure was designed to reduce its visual impact on the surrounding precinct, including the nearby Hobart Cenotaph. The roof height peaked at 54 m (177 ft) and tapered to 22 m (72 ft) at its lowest edge.[22]

Allowing the venue to host events in all weather conditions, its height and form were developed in consultation with Cricket Tasmania and informed by Hawk-Eye ball-tracking technology to accommodate the maximum vertical trajectory of a cricket ball. The final roof height was set at 50 m (160 ft), enabling the stadium to host indoor international cricket, including Test matches.[23]

However, in March 2025, Cricket Tasmania and stadium designers claimed that the current roof design may no longer meet the specific requirements for professional cricket, with Cricket Tasmania formally requesting further review and potential redesign of key elements.[24] On 22 May, Cricket Australia declared the stadium's roof design "unacceptable." Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania prefer a roofless or retractable option and indicate they will remain at Bellerive Oval unless their concerns are addressed.[25]

The fixed and fully enclosed roof is the single most expensive element of the stadium development, initially cost at $190 million,[26] and later revised to $207 million in 2025.[27]

Exterior

[edit]

The stadium's façade design incorporates woven patterns inspired by Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) cultural traditions, referencing the region's Indigenous heritage. It also draws on the site’s maritime and industrial history through its materials and form.[19]

Controversies

[edit]

Project of State Significance and planning process

[edit]

In October 2023, the Tasmanian Government declared the stadium a Project of State Significance. This designation allowed the state government to override local planning authorities, transferring final approval responsibilities to the Tasmanian Planning Commission. The decision was contentious, with critics arguing that it reduced community input and sidelined local governance. The development application, submitted in September 2024, identified a construction budget of $775 million. In November, the Planning Commission requested substantial additional documentation, which was provided in February 2025 as part of an integrated assessment process.[28]

The decision to construct the Macquarie Point stadium has generated significant debate within the Tasmanian community. Concerns have been raised regarding the selection of the site, the projected costs and potential debt implications for the state, the project's timeline, and the transparency of governmental processes.[29]

Political resignations and election fallout

[edit]

On 12 May 2023, Members of Parliament Lara Alexander and John Tucker resigned from the Tasmanian Liberal Party to sit as independents, citing concerns over the proposed stadium project as a contributing factor.[30] Their resignation contributed to the collapse of the government's majority, ultimately triggering the 2024 Tasmanian state election. Opposition Leader Rebecca White and the Tasmanian Labor Party campaigned on a platform to renegotiate the stadium agreement with the AFL;[31] however, the party was defeated for a third consecutive time, and White subsequently stood down as leader.[32] The opposition changed its position on the stadium shortly thereafter.[33]

Impact on the Hobart Cenotaph

[edit]

The Tasmanian RSL has opposed the stadium's location due to its potential impact on sightlines to the Hobart Cenotaph, a significant war memorial. The organisation expressed concerns that the stadium's proximity could detract from the Cenotaph's prominence and solemnity.[34]

Concerns from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra

[edit]

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has raised objections to the stadium's proposed location, approximately 170 metres from its home at the Federation Concert Hall. The TSO anticipates that construction and operational noise could disrupt performances and threaten the viability of its activities.[35]

Public opinion

[edit]

Public opinion surveys have indicated that support for the stadium is limited, with a majority of respondents to an 'opt in' newspaper based survey expressing opposition to the project.[36]

Opposition from Federal Group

[edit]

The Federal Group, a major Tasmanian hotel and gaming company, has publicly opposed the stadium, citing concerns over its economic viability and potential impacts on the tourism sector.[37]

Legislative attempts to block the project

[edit]

The Tasmanian Greens introduced a bill in the Tasmanian Parliament aiming to halt the stadium project; however, the legislation was unsuccessful.[38]

Opposition from independent politicians

[edit]

Several independent Tasmanian politicians, including members of the Jacqui Lambie Network, Kristie Johnston, Craig Garland, Andrew Wilkie, and Meg Webb, have voiced opposition to the stadium. Senator Jacqui Lambie described the agreement with the AFL as a "dud," expressing concerns over financial implications and community division.[39]

In January 2025 during a television appearance on The Project, Lambie proposed that the Tasmanian AFL team instead be based at UTAS Stadium in Launceston, where existing facilities could be upgraded to meet league requirements at a potentially lower cost.[40]

Gruen report assessment

[edit]

An independent economic review of the stadium project, prepared by economist Dr Nicholas Gruen, was submitted to the Tasmanian Government on 1 January 2025. The report was critical of the project's economic assumptions, concluding that the stadium's proponents had significantly underestimated costs while overstating benefits.[41] Dr Gruen estimated the total project cost at $1.096 billion, with $785 million to be borne by the Tasmanian Government and the remainder sourced from the Commonwealth, the AFL, and anticipated land sales.[41]

The report noted that the Tasmanian Government's commitment to cap its investment at $375 million, as pledged during the 2024 election campaign, was unlikely to be achievable under the existing model. Over a projected 30-year period, Dr Gruen estimated the total cost to taxpayers would amount to $1.4 billion. He also questioned the selection of the Macquarie Point site, suggesting that alternative locations with greater public support and lower costs had not been adequately considered.[42]

Following the release of the report, the Premier and other Members of Parliament raised concerns over a disclosure added after publication, which revealed that Dr Gruen had held a meeting with anti-stadium campaigners. Dr Gruen responded that the omission was an administrative oversight and maintained the independence of his findings.[43]

City of Hobart stance

[edit]

In April 2025, the City of Hobart voted to formally oppose the stadium project to the Tasmanian Planning Commission, despite receiving an independent report that assessed the development as likely to deliver significant economic benefits for the city. The study, prepared by consultancy AEC Group, projected that the stadium would stimulate $143.3 million in economic activity during the construction phase, contribute $65.4 million to gross regional product (GRP), and generate $44.7 million in household incomes alongside 385 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.[44]

The report also estimated that once operational, the stadium would generate $178.9 million in annual economic activity, support $87.2 million in GRP, contribute $62.8 million in incomes, and create 813 FTE jobs.[44] Council's decision to oppose the development reflected broader concerns about public amenity, city character, and the stadium's overall integration into the urban fabric.[44]

Counter-proposals for Macquarie Point

[edit]
See also: Macquarie Point

In response to concerns about the stadium's location and use of public land, a number of unsolicited counter-proposals have been developed for the Macquarie Point site.

Our Place proposal

[edit]

The Our Place initiative presented a counterproposal on 20 April 2023, launched by former Governor Kate Warner. The concept envisioned a nationally significant urban renewal precinct focused on housing, open space, culture, and public amenities, with an emphasis on community-led design.[45]

Mac Point 2.0

[edit]

Unveiled on 18 October 2023, "Mac Point 2.0," was proposed by former Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon and engineer Dean Coleman through the Stadia Precinct Consortium. This plan involved relocating the stadium to Regatta Point, a site originally shortlisted in the government's 2022 stadium feasibility study. The $2.3 billion proposal featured a 23,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof extending 250 metres into the River Derwent on reclaimed land. It also included residential apartments, a hotel, convention centre, private hospital, and retail precinct, to be delivered through a public–private partnership model.[46][47]

Despite receiving in-principle support from the Hobart City Council, which agreed to consider land transfer if the proposal was accepted, the Tasmanian Government rejected the Mac Point 2.0 concept in January 2025. Ministers cited conflicts with the existing agreement with the AFL and concerns about the feasibility and scale of the development.[48][49]

Proposed sports events

[edit]

The following sports events have been proposed for the Macquarie Point Stadium.[50]

Event type Frequency Expected average attendance Notes
AFL matches 7 per season 20,825[50] Home games for the Tasmania Football Club.
AFLW matches 3 per season 4,900[50] Home games for the Tasmania Football Club (AFLW).
BBL & WBBL matches 4 per season – Prospective home ground for the Hobart Hurricanes mens and womens teams, provided roof is sanctioned by Cricket Australia.[51]
Test cricket 1 – 4 years[50] –
Men's ODI & T20 cricket 1 – 2 years[50] –
Women's ODI & T20 cricket 1 – 2 years[50] –
A-League match 1 per season[50] –
Socceroos match 1 – 4 years[50] –
Matildas match 1 – 4 years[50] –
NRL match 1 per season[50] –
NRLW match 1 per season[50] –
State of Origin match 1 – 5 years[50] –
Super Rugby Pacific match 1 per season[50] –
Wallabies match 1 – 4 years[50] –
Wallaroos match 1 – 4 years[50] –

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The AFL has pledged $358 million toward the establishment of a Tasmanian team. This includes $210 million over 12 years in direct club funding for the Tasmania Devils, covering men’s and women’s player payments as well as general club operations. An additional $123 million over 15 years will support game development in Tasmania (a 60% increase on the AFL's current investment) targeting community football, Auskick programs, and talent pathways. The funding package also includes $10 million for the Kingborough High Performance Centre and a $15 million contribution to the construction of the Macquarie Point Stadium.[9]
  2. ^ The Tasmanian Government's total funding commitment to the stadium is $460 million, comprising $375 million in direct investment and an additional $85 million to be raised through borrowings secured against the sale or lease of land for commercial development.[10]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ ABC News (Australia) (21 December 2022). The debate over Hobart's proposed inner-city AFL stadium | 7.30. Retrieved 16 May 2025 – via YouTube.
  2. ^ Feasibility Planning Process, p. 10.
  3. ^ Coulter, Ellen (2 March 2022). "Tasmania's planned $750 million Hobart stadium divides opinion as state appeals for an AFL licence". ABC News. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  4. ^ "AFL statement on findings of the Colin Carter report". afl.com.au. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2025.
  5. ^ "Hobart Stadium – Site Selection Process Report" (PDF). Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  6. ^ "Macquarie Point selected as Tasmania's AFL stadium location, ABC understands". ABC News. 17 September 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2025.
  7. ^ "Full statement: Tasmania awarded 19th AFL licence". Australian Football League. 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  8. ^ Club Funding and Development Agreement.
  9. ^ "The $360m 'lost' in the Macquarie Point stadium stoush". The Mercury (Hobart). 2 April 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  10. ^ a b Club Funding and Development Agreement, p. 1.
  11. ^ a b c Club Funding and Development Agreement, p. 60.
  12. ^ Club Funding and Development Agreement, p. 61.
  13. ^ Club Funding and Development Agreement, p. 29.
  14. ^ Club Funding and Development Agreement, p. 22.
  15. ^ Club Funding and Development Agreement, p. 30.
  16. ^ Club Funding and Development Agreement, p. 33.
  17. ^ a b Club Funding and Development Agreement, p. 21.
  18. ^ Club Funding and Development Agreement, p. 10.
  19. ^ a b c d "Designs unveiled for Hobart's Macquarie Point Stadium". ArchitectureAU. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  20. ^ a b "COX Architecture to lead design of Macquarie Point Stadium". ArchitectureAU. 17 June 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  21. ^ "New Look: World's First Timber-Roofed Cricket Stadium Takes Shape". Wood Central. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  22. ^ a b "Macquarie Point Stadium: Your questions answered about Tasmania's $715 million AFL ground". ABC News. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  23. ^ "Hobart's new stadium designed to host indoor Test cricket". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
  24. ^ "Cricket Tasmania wants stadium roof redesigned, casting doubt on claims of world-first indoor Test venue". ABC News. 26 March 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  25. ^ Patterson, Emily (21 May 2025). "AFL facing 'big issues' as Cricket Australia boss opposes Hobart stadium roof". Nine Network. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  26. ^ Coulter, Ellen (18 September 2024). "Will the new Macquarie Point stadium deliver bang for Tasmania's buck? Here's what the analysis shows". ABC News. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  27. ^ Holmes, Adam (6 January 2025). "More cost breakdowns revealed for Hobart's proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium". ABC News. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  28. ^ "Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium Guidelines – Tasmanian Planning Commission Website". Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  29. ^ Morton, Adam (10 June 2023). "The devils and the detail of the $715m AFL stadium dividing Tasmania". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 February 2025."Get Informed". No New Stadium. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  30. ^ "Anger over Hobart AFL stadium sinks Tasmania's government into minority as MPs quit party". ABC News. 11 May 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  31. ^ Holmes, Adam (13 March 2024). "Tasmanian Labor open to improved AFL infrastructure, and maybe even a stadium – but with a key catch". ABC News. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  32. ^ Langenberg, Adam; Holmes, Adam (26 March 2024). "Tasmanian Labor leader Rebecca White resigns after three election losses". ABC News. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  33. ^ Holmes, Adam (6 May 2024). "Tasmanian Labor has aligned with the Liberals on Hobart's Macquarie Point stadium". ABC News. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  34. ^ "RSL Tasmania slams stadium plan over impact on cenotaph sightlines". ABC News. 21 July 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  35. ^ "'No precedent in the world': Hobart concert hall opposes 'noisy' AFL stadium being built 170 metres from its stage". The Guardian. 2 October 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  36. ^ "Stadium supporters still a minority - David Killick". Reddit. 7 January 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  37. ^ "Gambling and hotel giant Federal Group flags opposition to Hobart's Macquarie Point stadium". ABC News. 12 May 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  38. ^ "Tasmanian Parliament blocks Greens' attempt to stop Macquarie Point stadium". Pulse Tasmania. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  39. ^ "'Stick it': Senator shreds 'dud' AFL deal as damning report reveals Tassie stadium concerns". Fox Sports. 6 January 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  40. ^ The Project (6 January 2025). Inside Tasmania's Unwanted $750 Million Stadium Debate. Retrieved 12 February 2025 – via YouTube.
  41. ^ a b MacDonald, Lucy (2 January 2025). "Independent review of Hobart's proposed Macquarie Point stadium flags 'mismanagement' and $1.1 billion cost". ABC News. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  42. ^ "Report sets out cost concerns over Tasmania's new AFL stadium". The Stadium Business. 6 January 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  43. ^ Rowbottom, Chris (10 April 2025). "Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he 'no longer has faith' in two Hobart stadium reports". ABC News. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  44. ^ a b c Inglis, Rob (29 April 2025). "Hobart City Council finalises position on proposed Macquarie Point stadium development". The Mercury (Hobart). Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  45. ^ "Our Vision". No New Stadium. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  46. ^ "Alternative 'Mac Point 2.0' Hobart stadium design revealed". Pulse Tasmania. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  47. ^ Holmes, Adam (18 October 2023). "New Hobart AFL stadium proposal from ex-Labor premier Paul Lennon rejected by Liberal government". ABC News. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  48. ^ "Hobart City Council gives tick of support to 'Mac Point 2.0' stadium project". Pulse Tasmania. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  49. ^ "Govt slams Mac 2.0 as 'dead, buried, cremated'". Herald Sun. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  50. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Hobart's Macquarie Point stadium planning documents detail hopes for AFL, Test cricket, rugby and soccer". ABC News. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  51. ^ Garland, Jake (26 March 2025). "Cricket Australia and Tasmania raise concerns of Macquarie Point stadium roof". The Mercury (Hobart). Retrieved 16 May 2025.

Sources

[edit]
[edit]


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Macquarie_Point_Stadium&oldid=1297275111"