New Macquarie Point stadium a step closer to reality, with concept designs revealed

The concept designs for the new multipurpose stadium at Macquarie Point in Tasmania have been revealed, giving Tasmanians a first glimpse of the much-awaited sports and events venue. 

Last year, the Australian Government announced that it will invest $240 million towards this centrepiece project as part of the revitalisation of Macquarie Point. 

“We’ve worked to design a welcoming, fuctional and uniquely Tasmanian multipurpose stadium, for this space. 

“When completed, the Stadium will be the largest timber roofed stadium in the world. 

“While developing this stadium is an important step in realising our dream of our own AFL and AFLW teams running out on our own field, this facility will offer so much more,” Minister for Sports and Events Nic Street said. 

Aerial view of the new Macquarie Point stadium (source: Mac Point)

The new stadium will include: 

• A 1,500-person function room with views to kunanyi/Mount Wellington 

• A design informed by modelling cricket ball trajectory data to ensure we are ready to host the best quality cricket games 

• A stage pocket in the northern stand to support concerts and events, which will minimise impact on the field and reduce costs for event operators 

• Easy to follow and accessible design features – including a single continuous concourse that services the whole stadium, which means you can enter any gate and easily find your seat 

• A seating bowl design that will bring crowds closer to the action 

• Separated back of house and catering facilities with a below ground service road to separate vehicles and stadium visitors and users 

• A carefully designed cutting-edge design including a timber and steel framed fixed ETFE transparent roof, which will see Tasmania leading the world in structured timber roofing solutions 

Artist impression of the interior of the new stadium (source: Mac Point)

The stadium’s design features a low profile built-form and a woven-style facade that draws inspiration from the shape and form of the roundhouse structure that used to be part of the Hobart Rail Yard at Macquarie Point. 

The fixed, dome-shaped roof is also a vital design feature of the new stadium. 

“The maritime heritage of the broader area has been taken into account, and culturally informed under the guidance of Aboriginal community members. 

“The transparent roof, which is supported by an internal steel and timber frame, provides an opportunity to showcase Tasmanian timber. 

“The frame will allow a fully separated ETFE material, which is a plastic-based material designed to have a high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range. 

“This will allow light in, support natural turf growth, and avoid the need for large light towers.” Minister Street said. 

Meanwhile, works are progressing well to finalise the application for the assessment of the multipurpose stadium through the Project of State Significance process, which is due to be submitted later this month. 

The Tasmanian Government has capped the total expenditure for the stadium at $375 million as part of its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future. 

Source: Premier of Tasmania – News; Mac Point