Around 250 construction industry representatives have been given their first detailed look at the work packages for the Macquarie Point multipurpose stadium.
The industry briefing today revealed the massive scale of the project, with 17 kitchens, four keg rooms, 30,000 cubic metres of concrete and extensive electrical and communications infrastructure planned for the facility.
Macquarie Point Urban Renewal Minister Eric Abetz said the briefing was about ensuring local jobs remained front and centre.
“Every corner of our local construction and building industry can reap the rewards of this generational project,” he said.
Around 100 people attended in person, with another 150 joining online.
The event was run by the Macquarie Point Development Corporation and included presentations from the design team on individual work packages.
MPDC chief executive Anne Beach said no concerns were raised during the session.
“It was mainly asking around timelines and the release of individual packages,” she said.
The corporation recently closed its expression of interest process and expects to announce two respondents moving to the next stage in April.
A final announcement on the main contractor is expected late this year or in January 2026.
Beach said the project would prioritise local timber, with roof construction requiring Tasmanian-sourced glue-laminated timber beginning in late 2027.
National Electrical and Communications Association executive director Ben Shaw described it as “the first look under the hood” for the construction industry.
“For our members and for our industry, it really is that first look,” he said.
But Shaw warned against overdoing local content requirements.
He said stakeholders need to be “very mindful that we have enough workers to go and build our hospitals and do our schools”.
A stadium design roadshow will visit regional centres including Huonville, Queenstown, Bicheno, New Norfolk, Campbell Town, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie later this month.
