Tasmania’s planned roofed stadium at Macquarie Point is turning heads overseas, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reportedly eyeing a similar £500 million facility in Manchester.
According to The Times, the ECB is “closely monitoring” the development of Hobart’s Macquarie Point stadium, which, if approved, could kick off construction later this year.
Much like the Macquarie Point design, the proposed UK stadium would feature a transparent domed roof made from ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE).
The ECB’s interest follows increasing concerns over rain disruptions, with Manchester’s Old Trafford losing, on average, one day’s play for every 2.7 Tests held there.
UK officials have acknowledged that Tasmania is aiming to build the world’s first covered test venue, so they want to position themselves to build the world’s second.
ECB chairman Richard Thompson is reported to be leading the charge. “It has to happen and the stats point to there [Manchester] as a venue,” he said.
A major selling point for both stadiums is the chance to extend the cricket season.
England’s current season runs for just 124 days, compared to Australia’s 177 and the possibility of year-round cricket marks a big shift for the northern hemisphere game.
Hobart’s stadium is expected to cost around $775 million, while the English version could top $1 billion.
The Tasmanian design is still being finalised in consultation with Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania, who have flagged concerns to the state government that the current roof design could negatively impact the game.
A Cricket Australia spokesperson said they are in “constant dialogue” about the plans.
“We want to ensure the stadium is fit for purpose for all forms of cricket so we can bring the best possible international and domestic cricket to the stadium and maximise benefits for all Tasmanians,” they said.
