The Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) has recommended against building the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium in Hobart – the latest setback for the Tasmania Devils’ AFL and AFLW aspirations, with the stadium intended to be their future home ground.
An independent expert panel delivered its recommendation in a report that was publicly released on Wednesday 16 September. It states, “The panel has concluded that the benefits are outweighed by the disbenefits.”
The report notes, “The stadium (including its roof) – through its size, scale and form – will be dominant within the landscape, diminishing the prominence and significance of The Domain headland as a frame of Sullivans Cove, and standing as a significant obtrusive element in the present urban form in and surrounding Sullivans Cove.
“It will irrevocably change, for the worse in the opinion of the panel, the way in which the landscape and urban pattern is appreciated and understood.
“The size, shape and location of the site is ill-suited to a building like the stadium – a singular, large, bulky monolith which will overwhelm those surrounding buildings and the setting.”
Additionally, a cost-benefit analysis conducted by the panel found that constructing and operating the stadium would result in “a substantial net social cost to the Tasmanian community,” as the economic and social benefits are relatively small compared to the project’s public cost, the report states.
The panel concluded the report by saying that the “fundamental problem is the size, location and geographical features of the site, in its highly valued context, do not support the disproportionately large, monolithic building proposed.
“Proceeding with the project will give rise to irrevocable and unacceptable adverse impacts on Hobart’s spatial and landscape character, urban form and historic cultural heritage.”
In response, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said, “[The report] massively underestimates the social and economic benefits of the stadium, our Tassie Devils AFL and AFLW teams, and a supercharged events industry will have on our state.”
“As a growing state, reaching for aspiration and opportunity for young people, we must pursue ambitious projects like that at Macquarie Point.
“It will create jobs, boost our tourism and hospitality sector, secure world-class entertainment and keep our economy strong.”
Concept designs for the stadium were unveiled in July 2024. Cox Architecture was announced in May 2024 as the lead design consultant for the project alongside Tasmanian architecture practice Cumulus Studio, specialist engineers and technicians AECOM, Cova, Aldanmark, and Pitt and Sherry, and international partner Schlaich Bergermann Partners.
The recommendation doesn’t carry legal weight, with the Tasmanian parliament set to have the final say on approval for the project with a vote in both houses of parliament.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
