$30 million Bellerive Oval redevelopment underway

The $30 million redevelopment of Hobart's Bellerive Oval, also known by its sponsored name Blundstone Arena, has commenced.

The Oval upgrade, which is being jointly funded by the Federal and Tasmanian Government i set to boost the venue's capacity from 16,000 to more than 20,000 with a new grandstand that will seat 4,500 spectators.

Designed by Suters Architects in partnership with ARTAS Architects, the upgrade is being undertaken in order to host more elite level sport such including AFL Premiership matches and World Cup cricket.

Turning the first sod in the redevelopment over the weekend, Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese explained "Bellerive Oval is a much-loved ground for Tasmanians and the Federal Government is proud to be working with the State Government to deliver this redevelopment.

"Sport is fundamental to our way of life and once the redevelopment is complete, more Tasmanians will be able to attend major sporting events, closer to home."

Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings said the State Government was supporting the development through the Tasmanian Jobs Package because it would create jobs and stimulate the broader economy.

She explained "this investment directly benefits the whole Tasmanian economy creating immediate employment opportunities and boosting our tourism sector in the long term.

"Expanding capacity will put us in a fantastic position to host matches during the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

"The redevelopment will enable Cricket Tasmania to continue to grow the sport at the grass roots level through increased revenues gained from top-level matches.

"The upgrades also complement the highly successful partnership with the North Melbourne football club which has attracted near sell-out crowds, in the upgrade of media facilities necessary for broadcasting AFL matches."

Construction is expected to be completed by October/ November 2014.

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