Macquarie Point 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.

Site history

Macquarie Point is a prominent parcel of land situated between Sullivans Cove, Davey Street, the Hobart Cenotaph, and Port of Hobart facilities, operated by TasPorts.

Historically, the site was used for the former gas works, as well as freight operations associated with the Hobart railway station, including a rail yard, goods sheds, a traction maintenance depot, railway turntable and roundhouse. Following the closure of the South railway line terminal and the opening of the Brighton Transport Hub, the site was identified as a location for urban renewal.

Previous development proposals

In 2012, the Tasmanian Government established the Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC) through legislation to oversee planning, remediation and development of the site. That same year, Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese announced $50 million in federal funding under the Second Gillard ministry to support remediation of the site.

2014–15 master plan

In 2014–15, the Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC) released its first major master plan for the site, following the site's decommissioning as a freight terminal. The plan was developed by a consortium including John Wardle Architects, 1+2 Architecture, Leigh Woolley Architecture & Urban Design, Inspiring Place, Taylor Cullity Lethlean, Village Well, and Navire.

The framework outlined a mixed-use development strategy, incorporating residential, commercial, hospitality, civic, and open space elements. It sought to re-establish public access to Hobart's waterfront by repurposing the previously closed industrial site.

The plan was supported by the Tasmanian Government as a catalyst for inner-city revitalisation. However, progress on implementation was limited in the years that followed. By 2016, concerns were raised regarding the long-term viability of the proposal, with criticism focusing on the slow pace of delivery and a perceived lack of alignment with evolving government priorities, particularly in relation to major infrastructure and sporting developments.

Eden Project

Fronted by businessman Sir Tim Smit, an early 2016 proposal known as the Eden Project envisioned an Antarctic and ecotourism precinct featuring a discovery centre, cruise terminal, hotel, and housing. However, by 2019, amid ongoing uncertainty and a shift in focus to opportunities in Victoria, the group abandoned plans for Macquarie Point.

National Truth and Reconciliation Art Park

In late 2016, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) proposed a long National Truth and Reconciliation Art Park for Macquarie Point. Designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, Rush Wright Associates, and Palawa writer Greg Lehman, the project aimed to acknowledge the impact of the British colonisation of Tasmania and to memorialise the Black War (1824–1831).

The proposal outlined a wide-ranging vision that included an art park and a major fire-and-light installation celebrating over 40,000 years of continuous Palawa culture, a Tasmanian Aboriginal history centre, living culture centre, library and education facilities, and a contemporary gallery and art space. It also incorporated a light rail network with three stations (including a heritage rail station), an Antarctic science and research precinct, a six-star hotel complex accommodating up to 500 rooms (or three separate hotels), and a 2,500-seat conference and exhibition centre. A produce market operating day and night, a 7,000-capacity Hobart Music Bowl, upgraded Antarctic gateway and cruise terminal facilities, expanded warehousing and commercial offices, additional retail space, and a residential marina with ferry terminals were also proposed as part of the broader precinct vision.

The proposal received in-principle support from the Tasmanian Government, with Premier Will Hodgman praising its ambition, while noting that it could cost up to $2 billion and take as long as 30 years to complete.

In response to these challenges, the MPDC initiated a "Reset Masterplan" process in 2017, aiming to revisit and revise the original vision to better align with contemporary needs and aspirations.

2019 stadium proposal

By 2019, frustration with the limited progress at Macquarie Point led to the emergence of unsolicited proposals for alternative uses of the site. Among the most prominent was a concept by architect and Hobart Brewing Company co-owner Don Gallagher, which proposed a major stadium within a broader precinct including a hotel, convention centre, hospitality venues, and public amenities.

While the concept was initially acknowledged by government sources as having potential, the Tasmanian Government reaffirmed its commitment to the existing Macquarie Point masterplan, which at the time did not include provision for a sports stadium.

AFL deal and site selection

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 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, as well as requirements surrounding the construction of a new purpose-built stadium at Macquarie Point including:

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

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

* $15m from the AFL toward the construction of the stadium.
* $460m from the Tasmanian Government.
* $240m from the Federal Government.
* Ongoing funding of $12m annually over 12 years by the Tasmanian Government.

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

Stadium design

In mid-2024, Cox Architecture released concept designs for a 23,000-seat multipurpose stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart. 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. 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. Construction is expected to commence in late 2025, with the stadium scheduled to open ahead of the 2029 AFL season.

Roof

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. Once completed, it was expected to be the largest timber-roofed stadium in the world.
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 and tapered to at its lowest edge.

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 , enabling the stadium to host indoor international cricket, including Test matches.

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. 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.

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

Exterior

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.

Controversies

Project of State Significance and planning process

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.

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.

Political resignations and election fallout

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. 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; however, the party was defeated for a third consecutive time, and White subsequently stood down as leader. The opposition changed its position on the stadium shortly thereafter.

Impact on the Hobart Cenotaph

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.

Concerns from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra

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.

Public opinion

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.

Opposition from Federal Group

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.

Legislative attempts to block the project

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

Opposition from independent politicians

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.

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.

Gruen report assessment

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. 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.

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.

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.

City of Hobart stance

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.

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. 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.

Counter-proposals for Macquarie Point

A number of alternative proposals have been developed for the Macquarie Point site, reflecting concerns about the stadium's location and use of public land.

Our Place proposal

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.

Mac Point 2.0

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.

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.

Proposed sports events

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

Notes

References

Sources

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External links

Tasmania's new Arts, Entertainment and Sports Precinct, Macquarie Point, Hobart
at Austadiums

{{AFL Women's venues

Australian Football League grounds
AFL Women's grounds
Proposed sports venues in Australia
Proposed stadiums

Sports venues in Hobart
Tasmania Football Club