Macquarie Point Stadium

Macquarie Point Stadium
Render of the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium.
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
RoofDomed
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.

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.[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

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

The roof design for the Macquarie Point Stadium is conceived as a translucent, fully enclosed dome, using ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) as the primary cladding material. It is supported by a hybrid structural system of steel and Tasmanian-sourced laminated timber (glulam), intended to showcase local materials and sustainable construction practices.[21] The roof is the most expensive component of the stadium development. Initially budgeted at $190 million,[22] its cost was later revised to $207 million in early 2025.[23]

The structure’s transparent form is also intended to soften the stadium’s visual impact on the Hobart waterfront, particularly in relation to the nearby Hobart Cenotaph and Queen’s Domain. In practical terms, the enclosed roof is designed to allow the stadium to host events in all weather conditions.

If completed as planned, the stadium will be the largest timber-roofed sporting venue in the world.[19][24] The roof height is designed to peak at 54 m (177 ft) and taper to 22 m (72 ft), with a final internal clearance of 50 m (160 ft) to accommodate international cricket.[25][26]

Test cricket play

Cricket has previously been played under a roof at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, which has hosted domestic Twenty20 and One Day International fixtures.[note 3] However, the venue is not approved for Test cricket due to lighting conditions and fixed roof height limitations.[27]

These limitations informed the approach taken in the design of Macquarie Point Stadium. Its roof geometry and internal volume were developed in consultation with Cricket Tasmania and tested using Hawk-Eye ball-tracking technology to ensure the vertical trajectory of a cricket ball could be accommodated, with the goal of enabling indoor Test cricket for the first time.[28]

Despite these efforts, in early 2025 both Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania expressed "significant concerns" about the proposed fixed roof, including the potential for shadows to impact visibility and the conduct of play.[29] In May, Cricket Australia formally rejected the enclosed roof design, indicating a preference for a roofless or retractable alternative and stating that national matches would continue at Ninja Stadium unless the design is altered.[30]

In June 2025, the Tasmanian Premier announced a "heads of agreement" with cricket authorities to explore a revised roof solution, aiming to ensure the stadium can host future cricket matches at the national level.[31]

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.[19]

Proposed events

Sports events

The following sports events have been proposed for the Macquarie Point Stadium.[32]

Event type Frequency Expected average attendance Notes
AFL matches 7 per season 20,825[32] Home games for the Tasmania Football Club.
AFLW matches 3 per season 4,900[32] 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.[33]
Test cricket 1 – 4 years[32]
Men's ODI & T20 cricket 1 – 2 years[32]
Women's ODI & T20 cricket 1 – 2 years[32]
A-League match 1 per season[32]
Socceroos match 1 – 4 years[32]
Matildas match 1 – 4 years[32]
NRL match 1 per season[32]
NRLW match 1 per season[32]
State of Origin match 1 – 5 years[32]
Super Rugby Pacific match 1 per season[32]
Wallabies match 1 – 4 years[32]
Wallaroos match 1 – 4 years[32]

Concerts and live music

The stadium is also intended to serve as a premier venue for concerts and live music events. The plans indicate a concert capacity of 31,500[34] (including tiered seating and the field area) as well as a dedicated stage pocket and outside broadcast area in the northern stand.[35] The planning application suggests the venue could hold 1-2 "full stadium" concerts, and 1-4 smaller "arena" concerts annually.[36]

Geoff Jones, CEO of Ticketek parent company TEG, said the venue could "easily" draw 15,000 attendees and support tours from acts like Iron Maiden.[37] Brendan Self of Vandemonian Tours suggested it would fill a long-standing gap in Tasmania's concert infrastructure as Tasmania is often overlooked for international tours.[38]

Leigh Carmichael, then the creative director of Dark Mofo, noted that it was difficult to attract major international artists to the festival due to Hobart's lack of suitably scaled facilities.[39] He stressed that transport and tourism infrastructure, like light rail to Hobart's northern suburbs, should accompany the stadium to support large-scale events.[40]

English artist Robbie Williams, when asked about coming to Tasmania if the stadium was built, stated he "would actually (love to), even if they have a medium sized stadium. I’ve never been there and I’d like to go."[41]

Former promoter Charles Touber warned that attracting global artists without significant financial support is "an exercise in fantasy."[42]

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.[43]

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.[44]

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.[45] 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;[46] however, the party was defeated for a third consecutive time, and White subsequently stood down as leader.[47] The opposition changed its position on the stadium shortly thereafter.[48]

Hobart Cenotaph sightlines and RSL opposition

The Tasmanian RSL has opposed the Macquarie Point stadium due to concerns it would diminish the prominence of the Hobart Cenotaph, a significant war memorial. The 51 m (167 ft) stadium structure is expected to disrupt key sightlines from the Cenotaph toward Battery Point and the River Derwent.[49][50]

To mitigate the impact, RSL Tasmania submitted a list of requests to the state government. These included an on-site RSL museum, grandstand naming rights to honour Victoria Cross recipients, allocation of ANZAC Day profits to veteran services, discounted ticketing, and veteran-led business opportunities within the precinct.[51]

On 10 November 2024, over 2,500 people attended a vigil at the Cenotaph, held in partnership with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Many attendees marched from the Elizabeth Street Mall under the banner of the 'No New Stadium / Our Place' campaign, lowering signs near the memorial in a gesture of respect.[52] While RSL Tasmania described the event as apolitical and focused on remembrance, the Lenah Valley RSL sub-branch criticised it as an inappropriate protest timed to coincide with Remembrance Day commemorations.[51]

In parallel, the Tasmanian Greens released a draft "Hobart Cenotaph Bill", which was developed in consultation with the RSL and aimed at protecting the site from intrusive development. RSL Tasmania continues to support an alternative "Stadium 2.0" proposal at Regatta Point, which includes a museum and avoids impacting Cenotaph sightlines.[50]

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.[53]

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.[54]

Opposition from Federal Group

The Federal Group, one of Tasmania's largest private employers and operators of hospitality and gaming venues including the MACq 01 and Henry Jones Art Hotels near the stadium site, has publicly opposed the Macquarie Point stadium proposal. The company cited concerns over financial risk, the stadium’s location on the Hobart waterfront, and the government's decision to bypass the standard planning process.[55]

Federal commissioned a statewide poll in April 2025, which found strong public opposition to the project exceeding the A$375 million budget and being removed from the Projects of State Significance process.[56] Dr Daniel Hanna, the group’s executive general manager for corporate and regulatory affairs, argued the development would dominate a culturally significant viewscape and urged the government to follow existing planning frameworks.[55]

Despite their opposition to the stadium proposal, Federal Group expressed support for a Tasmanian AFL team. In response, Liberal MP Michael Ferguson described the company’s position as "ironic", pointing to its prior resistance to gambling reform and suggesting it should instead support the government’s planned cashless gaming card system.[55]

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.[57]

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.[58]

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.[59]

Gruen report assessment

The economic review of the Macquarie Point Stadium project by economist Dr Nicholas Gruen attracted controversy upon its release, due to its sharply critical findings and parliamentary concerns about the independence of the assessment. Although commissioned as an independent analysis, it was later revealed that Dr Gruen had met with opponents of the stadium prior to his formal appointment. This disclosure, added after the report's publication, prompted concern from the Premier and several Members of Parliament, who argued that the report’s impartiality may have been compromised.[60] Dr Gruen described the omission of this detail from the initial publication as an administrative oversight and defended the independence of his findings.

Submitted to the Tasmanian Government on 1 January 2025, the report was highly critical of the project’s economic foundations. It concluded that the stadium's proponents had significantly underestimated costs while overstating likely benefits.[61] The report estimated a total project cost of $1.096 billion, including $785 million from the Tasmanian Government, with the remainder expected from the Commonwealth Government, the AFL, and land sales.[61]

Dr Gruen also found that the Tasmanian Government’s pledge to cap its investment at $375 million (a figure announced during the 2024 state election) was unlikely to be achievable. Over a projected 30-year period, he estimated the total cost to taxpayers would reach approximately $1.4 billion. The report also questioned the selection of the Macquarie Point site, arguing that alternative locations with lower costs and broader public support had not been sufficiently explored.[62]

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.[63][64]

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.[63][65] 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.[63]

Counter-proposals for 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

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.[66]

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.[67][68]

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.[69][70]

Economics

A cost–benefit analysis (CBA) prepared by KPMG in 2023 found the project would deliver a negative net economic benefit, with a modelled benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 0.69.[71][72][note 4] A supplementary review by the independent assessment panel estimated a lower BCR of 0.53, based on broader assumptions relating to project scope, infrastructure dependencies, and urban planning considerations.[72] Similarly, in Dr Gruen's report, the BCR was calculated in the "optimistic case" as 0.513.[74]

The Tasmanian Government noted that stadium projects across Australia often return low BCRs. It cited the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, which had a BCR of 0.62, and the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, which recorded a BCR of just 0.21, as examples.[72] As such, the Government did not make the stadium’s approval conditional on achieving a positive BCR, instead arguing that its value lies in broader economic, social, and reputational outcomes.[75]

Some inputs included in the panel’s assessment were later contested by government agencies. For example:

  • The Northern Access Road, attributed as a stadium-related cost, was originally proposed under the 2019 Hobart City Deal and is now funded separately.[76]
  • Additional bus services will not be required for event days; existing services will be utilised with event surcharges applied to ticketing, as is standard at venues such as Sydney’s CommBank Stadium.[72]
  • The proposed Collins Street footbridge, also counted in some estimates, is not currently committed and would be considered as part of a separate urban transport program.[72]

A separate report by AEC Group commissioned by the Hobart City Council estimated the stadium would generate approximately $140 million in economic activity to Hobart per year during construction, and once completed generate $178.9 million annually, support $87.2 million in gross regional domestic product, contribute $62.8 million in incomes, and create 813 full-time equivalent jobs.[63][65][77] In addition, Stadiums Tasmania CEO James Avery projected potential profits of up to $2 million annually from hosting over 300 events per year.[78]

Notes

  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]
  3. ^ Venue-specific constraints at Marvel Stadium have required rule modifications, including a 2023 change in the Big Bash League that removed the automatic six for roof strikes, instead allowing umpires to determine the outcome.[27]
  4. ^ CBAs quantify the direct and indirect impacts of public investment by estimating lifetime costs and benefits, including non-market effects like environmental change or road safety. These are discounted to present values to calculate net present value (NPV) and a benefit–cost ratio (BCR). In this case, the KPMG report noted qualitative benefits (such as civic pride and regional identity) that were not fully monetised or reflected in the BCR.[71][73]

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Sources

Hobart City Council

Tasmanian Government

External reports