Preparatory works have begun at the site of the Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium in Hobart, where a 23,000-seat venue with a fully enclosed timber-and-steel roof is planned beside the River Derwent.
The current works precede construction of the stadium itself. Tasmanian infrastructure company Hazell Bros has been appointed to undertake the bulk earthworks following a competitive procurement process.
Around 100,000m³ of soil will be excavated under the package, which also covers site preparation and archaeological investigations. The work is expected to continue until mid-2027, ahead of major construction.
Main stadium contractor yet to be appointed
Procurement for the main stadium construction contract is underway, with the successful contractor expected to be appointed by the end of 2026.
The stadium forms part of plans by the Macquarie Point Development Corporation and the Tasmanian State Government to redevelop the former industrial site.
Plans for the precinct include stronger connections between Hobart’s central business district and the waterfront, along with public spaces, housing, commercial and cultural uses, and major events.
The Australian Government is contributing $240m to the Macquarie Point Precinct.
Design retains views across Macquarie Point
Australian architecture and design practice COX Architecture is leading the stadium design in association with Hobart-based practice Cumulus Studio.
The stadium has a low-profile form shaped by the surrounding topography, waterfront setting, and nearby heritage buildings. Its woven facade references the railway roundhouse that formerly occupied the site and Macquarie Point’s maritime history.
Developed with guidance from members of the Palawa community, the facade pattern also references weaving as a continuing cultural practice and a means of connecting different cultures and stories.
The design retains view corridors towards kunanyi / Mount Wellington and the waterfront. Proposed materials include locally sourced, responsibly managed Tasmanian timber. Dispersed entrances, active frontages, public concourses, and plazas will allow access to parts of the precinct outside event times.
The heritage-listed Goods Shed will be retained and adapted for markets, performances, and hospitality.
Timber and steel roof will enclose the stadium
A fixed translucent ETFE roof will span the entire stadium, supported by a hybrid structure of primary steel elements and secondary laminated timber components.
Structural engineering practice schlaich bergermann partner is part of the project team. The roof uses a single-layer polygonal grid shell aligned with the oval playing field and seating bowl. The structure will span between 191m and 225m, cover approximately 36,500m², and rise 28m. The stadium will reach a maximum height of 51m above ground level.
The roof is designed to meet the clearance requirements of Australian rules football and cricket while allowing natural light to reach the turf. The design also uses passive ventilation, daylighting, and shading.
Inside, a continuous accessible concourse will connect every entrance, allowing spectators to reach their seats from any gate. Other planned facilities include a function room for 1,500 people overlooking kunanyi / Mount Wellington, a stage pocket within the northern stand for concerts and other events, and a below-ground service road separating operational vehicles from visitors.
The seating bowl will bring spectators close to the playing surface, while cricket-ball trajectory modelling has informed the stadium’s geometry. The stadium is also planned to host cultural events, community activities, hospitality, and entertainment.
