New images of Hobart’s Macquarie Point stadium – set to become the world’s largest timber-roofed oval stadium- showing its entry gates from various angles have been released by the Tasmanian state government.
The renders supplement the Macquarie Point Stadium summary report, which last year revealed that the timber-domed roof—which will stand 51 metres above ground at its apex—will cost $160m (out of the $775 million allocated for the 23,000-seat all-weather stadium).
However, that figure could balloon past $1 billion once additional construction costs are considered: “The government’s current $775 million estimate significantly understates the true expected cost,” according to local economist Nicholas Gruen. “Based on our analysis of the current proposal and project scope, we estimate the total project cost will exceed this amount by $321 million.”
Despite challenges, Premier Jeremy Rockliff maintains that the stadium is not only economically viable but will “transform Tasmania” as we know it: “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 be a game-changer for Tassie.”
The renders come months after Wood Central revealed that the timber dome—which will use translucent ETFE pillows on the outside—will showcase Tasmanian-sourced glulam—a non-negotiable for the stadium—inside the roof: “The timber in the structure is expressed on the underside, and the volume created underneath will promote an awe-inspiring experience,” according to the summary report.
“The streamlined structure allows the maximum internal height above the pitch centre and an overall form that reduces height and scale across all elevations, establishing a height at street interfaces comparable to and compatible with the scale of existing buildings.”
Dubbed a “once in a generation” opportunity to revitalise Hobart’s CBD, the stadium could become the world’s first venue for test cricket—as well as hosting Tasmanian Devils AFL fixtures, Socceroos, and Matilda matches, with the seating bowl, woven timber facade, and fixed dome roof key parts of the Cox design.
- To learn more about the stadium, including plans for the timber roof, click here for Wood Central’s exclusive report from late last year.
