New images of Hobart’s proposed Macquarie Point stadium, showing its entry gates from various angles, have been released.
The renders obtained by Pulse show the stadium’s appearance from various angles, alongside its positioning alongside the relocated Goods Shed.
Latest estimations have put the cost of the stadium at $755 million, a figure disputed by economist Nicholas Gruen.
In a report commissioned by the state government and released last month, he suggested the cost could exceed $1 billion.
“The government’s current $775 million estimate of the stadium’s cost significantly understates the true expected cost,” Gruen’s report reads.
“Based on our analysis of the current stadium proposal and project scope, we estimate the total project cost will exceed this amount by $321 million.”
The report identified various excluded costs, including those associated with relocating the Goods Shed, kitchen and food and beverage fit-outs, PA systems and CCTV.
Earlier this month, the Tasmanian Planning Commission requested that infrastructure such as the access road, pedestrian bridge and bus facilities be included in the Project of State Significance application, elements all previously excluded.
Despite ongoing challenges, Premier Jeremy Rockliff maintains that the stadium is economically viable and that the broader Macquarie Point revitalisation will “transform Tasmania”.
“Imagine the economic opportunity of 23,000 people leaving an event, just a short few minutes walk to and from the CBD and Salamanca,” he said.
“This is incredibly exciting. It will bring people together and it will be a game-changer for Tassie.”
On Monday, the state government revealed Tasmania’s net debt is forecast to reach almost $10 billion by 2027-28.
It also outlined a $503 million increase in net operating deficit for the current financial year to $1.3 billion.
