Cox Architecture has been selected as the lead design consultant for the $715 million multipurpose stadium in Hobart’s Macquarie Point, following a market testing process.
The firm’s history in designing Australian and international stadia – including the Adelaide Oval, Perth’s Optus Stadium and the Allianz Stadium in Sydney – was seen as complementary and advantageous to the project, stated the Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC).
The MPDC CEO Anne Beach said the design team also includes Tasmanian architecture practice Cumulus Studio, along with specialist engineers and technicians AECOM, Cova, Aldanmark, and Pitt and Sherry, as well as international partner Schlaich Bergermann Partners (SBP).
“This partnership brings national and international expertise and excellence, which will not only deliver this exciting development, but leave a lasting legacy in our local industry,” Beach said. She added Cumulus’s local knowledge will greatly benefit the project, with the practice able to lean into its understanding of Tasmanian services and materials.
Cox designed the preliminary draft precinct plan, however, a stadium concept design is yet to be finalised. It is expected the stadium concept design will be released in mid-2024. The design team has stated that the concept designs will be different to the initial designs published by the government.
In addition to the consultancy appointment, four internships will be available for architecture students to work with Cox Architecture in the Hobart project office, four undergraduate placements will also be offered through AECOM, among other internships offered through SBP in Germany.
The proposed stadium will be covered, with capacity for 23,000 seats and will be the home ground of a future Tasmanian AFL team. In addition to being a live sporting arena, it will also be used for arts and entertainment performances.
The proposal was in the spotlight recently, following a ruling by the Tasmanian Heritage Council to permanently include the Hobart Railway Goods Shed – situated at the intended location of the stadium – on the state heritage register. The MPDC said they would be proceeding with the project, adjusting the plans to accommodate the historically significant structure.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
