Tasmanian Government unveils plan for Hobart waterfront stadium

Further backing its push for a state-based AFL team, the Tasmanian Government has today unveiled plans for a $750 million oval-shaped stadium on the Hobart waterfront.

Described as a ‘multi-purpose stadium’, the development of a new venue was a recommendation of the state’s AFL Taskforce and its construction will be contingent on Tasmania achieving an AFL licence along with stakeholder consultation and planning approval.

The design unveiled for the 27,000-seat venue at Hobart’s Regatta Point would be located on reclaimed land on the banks of the River Derwent within walking distance of theCBD.

In a statement, Tasmanian Premier, Peter Gutwein advised “the stadium has been designed to AFL specifications and includes a considerable footprint to allow for expansion of spectator and participant infrastructure.

“It will form a key part of the 10-year strategic stadium plan that Stadiums Tasmania will be tasked to develop.”

Featuring a retractable roof, the venue’s design also encompasses the regatta grandstand and foreshore below the Hobart Cenotaph and it would feature ferry terminals to link with Hobart’s northern suburbs transport corridor.

The proposed site is adjacent to Macquarie Point, where a concept for a $500 million AFL stadium was put forward back in 2019. However, the Tasmanian Government had previously approved a masterplan for the site which didn't include a new stadium.

Advising that funding would be sought from all levels of government as well as from the private sector and equity raising, Premier Gutwein explained “it will be an important part of Tasmania’s sporting and entertainment evolution, growing and supporting the state’s visitor economy, and inspiring infrastructure and transport systems to support industry, business and community growth, ultimately shaping and invigorating our capital city.”

With a potential news new Tasmanian AFL team also set to play games in Launceston, Premier Gutwein added “UTAS Stadium will remain the northern major stadium and importantly, once the transfer of the ownership from the Launceston City Council to Stadiums Tasmania occurs, and subject to the Australian Government matching the $65 million that is allocated in our Budget, we will progress the $135 million first stage of the $200 million master plan.”

Premier Gutwein added that stage one of the UTAS Stadium development will “subject to funding … be developed over the next three to five years and will increase the capacity of the ground, while also providing retractable seating to enable A-League, AFL and other events to be held, future proofing the stadium for decades to come.

“Stage two will provide an indoor arena capable of holding basketball, netball and other sports and entertainment events.”

The newly formed Stadiums Tasmania agency will also work with the Central Coast Council to invest $25 million into further development of the Dial Regional Sports Complex to allow AFL and A-league games to be played on the North West Coast.

Premier Gutwein concluded “subject to achieving an AFL licence later this year and the timing of that being made available it is envisaged that there would be approximately a two-year timeframe for planning, approvals and contracting, and a further two to three years for construction, meaning that the new Stadium could be ready for the 2027 season.”

North Melbourne currently plays four AFL home games per year at Hobart’s 19,500-capacity Blundstone Arena.

Images: Artist's impressions of the proposed stadium on Hobart's foreshore. Credit: Philp Lighton Architects.