“Extraordinary levels of interest” from domestic and international investors have been received for Hobart’s Macquarie Point precinct development.
The market-sounding process, undertaken to gauge private sector involvement in the waterfront project, closed late last week.
“We are very encouraged by the level of interest that we have had from the investor community in this exciting project,” Minister Felix Ellis said.
“Investors from around the country and around the world who are looking at these precincts and seeing massive opportunity.”
“That’s massive opportunity for them but more importantly it’s massive opportunities for Tasmanians.”
The proposed stadium, last estimated to cost $775 million, will be funded through a capped $375 million contribution from the state government, $240 million from the federal government and $15 million from the AFL.
The remaining funds, a minimum of $85 million, will need to be sourced from other funding channels.
The government’s vision for Macquarie Point includes a multi-purpose stadium, an Aboriginal culturally informed zone and a mixed-use area with boutique commercial, retail and food and beverage spaces.
Minister Eric Abetz said the entire project has the potential to drive long-term economic growth.
“The transformation of the Macquarie Point precinct will shape Tasmania for generations and it’s clear that the private sector is showing genuine interest to get involved in this game-changing project,” he said.
He said the next step is to assemble a team of “innovators” capable of delivering the government’s vision for the precinct ahead of a formal procurement process.
