The Macquarie Point Development Corporation has lodged a formal application with the Tasmanian Planning Commission to build a new stadium at the Hobart waterfront site.
As part of their submission, a 260-page summary report and around 4,000 pages of other supporting documents were made public on Wednesday morning.
According to a 45-page Financial Impact Report by KPMG, the cost of the 23,000-seat roofed stadium has ballooned to $774.91 million, up from the $715 million figure previously announced by the government.
The document also details an “optimistic” event calendar, which estimates that the stadium could host up to 48-51 event days per year, totalling attendances of between 514,000-569,000 spectators per annum.
“Current funding commitments include the State Government ($375m), Commonwealth Government ($240m) and AFL ($15m),” the report reads.
“Based on the current capital cost estimate, there is a funding shortfall of $145m. This reduces to $85m if the stadium is delivered within the stated budget of $715m.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff yesterday told state parliament he would be ‘open and transparent’ when it comes to sourcing private investment in the development.
“The submission is the cumulation of our work over the past six-months to carefully design the multipurpose stadium, while considering land-use planning, environmental, cultural and heritage, transport and movement and economic and social impacts and benefits,” Macquarie Point Development Corporation chief executive Anne Beach said.
“Our submission presents a strong case for the development of the multipurpose stadium here at Macquarie Point.”
“Our work shows the exciting opportunity that this project presents for Hobart, the region and the state.”
“It will see the development of a new roofed stadium and function centre in central Hobart, which has been carefully designed to integrate with the precinct and to offer a fan-first experience and design.”
“This includes accessible internal and external concourses and a carefully designed seating bowl that will bring crowds closer to the action.”
“Building on the remediation and work that has been done on site, this project will be a catalyst for the redevelopment and urban renewal of Macquarie Point, turning the site into a hub of economic activity showcasing world-class sport, art and events,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
“This game-changing project will allow Tasmania to realise its decades-long AFL dream, while generating hundreds of millions in economic activity during construction and tens of millions each year thereafter.
The project will now be assessed by the Planning Commission through the Project of State Significance process, which could take up to 12 months.
