Example images showing just what the potential future home of Tasmania’s new AFL club could look like have been revealed.
The design by global architectural design firm Populous, which specialises in sports facilities, arenas and convention centres, shows a space that will be built to a standard that is “consistent with the majority of other AFL club training bases across the country”.
The State Government, through State Growth, say the facility needs to enable the “recruitment and retention of high-quality players, coaches, support staff and administrators” and “will be a community asset and a vital link between the Tasmanian AFL club and the community in which it is built”.
Although an official location is yet to be selected, several greater Hobart councils who “can see the value of having” the facility in their communities are currently undertaking community consultations to choose the best site, with proposals due by the end of November and a preferred location expected to be selected by early 2024.
The final design is expected to feature a building area of approximately 9000sqm, a full-sized oval, grassed training areas, indoor training facilities, strength and conditioning areas, locker rooms, medical facilities, administrative offices, parking and community accessibility.
“The vision for the High Performance Centre is to provide the players, coaches and administrators with every opportunity to be successful, both on and off the field,” State Growth say.
“The facility will be built close to Hobart and will be able to be used for community purposes and by Tasmanian elite athletes.”
“It is anticipated the facility will be ready to use in 2026 as the teams prepare for the 2028 AFL and AFLW seasons.”
The Tasmanian Government has committed up to $60 million for the facility, with a further $10 million to come from the AFL.
