Cost of new Hobart Stadium rises to $945 million

Draft legislation that would enable a new AFL stadium to be built at Hobart’s Macquarie Point has been released for public consultation by the Tasmanian Government along with an updated cost estimate for the venue which says it will now cost $945 million, up from its previous figure of $775 million.

If passed, the draft legislation would enable the stadium proposed for Hobart's Macquarie Point to be built while the Tasmanian Government has advised that the latest budget incorporates improvements that will enhance the stadium’s user experience to better cater for a wide range of planned uses, including helping to facilitate cricket at the venue.

It also incorporates detailed items such as audiovisual facilities, communications, kitchens and food and beverage fit-outs.

The enlarged estimate for the 23,000 capacity venue was revealed today by Tasmanian Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, who stated that it will provide the appropriate permits for the Tasmanian Government to proceed with the development of the venue.

Advising that the Tasmanian Government was confident the legislation "provides the necessary details for the parliament to provide their support", Senator Abetz stated “the government has reviewed and acknowledged the concerns and challenges raised within the draft Integrated Assessment Report by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

"This draft bill and subsequent planning conditions addresses these points and demonstrate the efforts by the government to ensure the legislation is comprehensive.

"The enabling legislation and supporting materials are hundreds of pages long, carefully addressing concerns, permits and conditions."

With the parliament’s approval, the legislation would permit the commencement of work on the multi-purpose stadium.

The permit includes conditions requiring subject and site-specific expert management plans to be finalised and submitted to the relevant regulator for approval before construction or operations can commence. The Tasmanian Government said this is standard for large-scale commercial development approval.

It also agreed to a request from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra for additional works to soundproof the Federation Concert Hall, noting that it will have benefits “well beyond” the impacts of the stadium.

The venue was originally costed at $715 million with the Tasmanian Government saying that its contribution would be capped at $375 million.

Image: Concept for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium. Credit: Tasmanian Government.