Mac Point 2.0 proponent says his alternative is “affordable and low risk”

With the Tasmanian Planning Commission now assessing the government’s proposed Macquarie Point stadium, the proponent of an alternative fights on. Find out why.

Mac Point 2.0 Stadium view as seen from Rosny. Design from Stadia Precinct consortia for the proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point Hobart. Supplied August 2nd 2024. Picture: Solutions Won

The developer behind an alternative stadium at Macquarie Point remains adamant his Mac Point 2.0 is the most “affordable and low risk option” for the government.

Despite it being rejected by the government, managing director of the Stadia Precinct Consortium, Dean Coleman, says the consortium’s detailed submission to the Department of State Growth is being assessed.

“The consortium made its detailed formal submission to the State Government on June 28, at the request of the Department of State Growth, and has been advised that an Assessment Panel has been formed to assess our proposal,” he said.

“We have been advised that following its assessment, the Assessment Panel will provide a recommendation to Cabinet.

“We are not aware of the status of the assessment.”

$2.3 billion precinct-scale urban renewal project, including roofed AFL stadium, for Hobart. Stakeholder relations Paul Lennon and Managing Director of Stadia Precinct Consortia Dean Coleman at Macquarie Point. Picture: Chris Kidd

In a milestone for the project, an application has been lodged with the Tasmanian Planning Commissioner for the stadium which revealed a cost blow-out of $60m to $775m.

Mr Coleman congratulated the Macquarie Point Development Corporation on the release of its application and welcomed the “increased transparency provided to the Tasmanian people”.

He would not be drawn on cost blowout.

“MPDC costings and its ability to meet its expected budget and time frame is a matter for MPDC,” Mr Coleman said.

“We maintain that Mac Point 2.0 can be delivered with no further upfront capital contribution by the State, and presents the government with an affordable and low risk option.

“Furthermore our submission transfers all delivery and cost blow out risk away from the State and onto the private sector.

“The Mac 2.0 proposal is a sensible alternative that offers considerable benefits to the State and Tasmanian community than the equivalent scoped stadium at the Evans Street site.

“We are committed to providing to the Tasmanian government and the Tasmanian people an option that represents the optimal use of Tasmanian government funding contributions.”

The State Government has committed $375m to its Macquarie Point stadium, the federal government has promised $240m with the AFL contributing just $15m.

Mac Point 2.0 Stadium aerial view. Design from Stadia Precinct consortia for the proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point Hobart. Supplied August 2nd 2024. Picture: Solutions Won

Sports and Events Minister Nic Street says private investors will meet any funding shortfalls.

Mr Coleman says his consortium’s “collaborative approach” with the Hobart City Council and key stakeholders offered “significant economic, cultural, and heritage benefits”.

“Our approach brings together world-class sporting facilities, an economic hub, and a vibrant mixed-use precinct that directly addresses the evolving needs of all Tasmanians, while respecting the views of our stakeholders, particularly the RSL, the Royal Hobart Regatta Association and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra,” he said.

“Critically, the Mac Point 2.0 proposal leaves the Evans Street site unencumbered to maximise the development potential of both sites at Macquarie Point, and we are the only opportunity for the Tasmanian government to achieve this outcome.”

Mac Point 2.0 includes housing, a private hospital, retail and hospitality venues, car park, convention centre and ferry terminal.

Originally published as Mac Point 2.0 proponent says his alternative is “affordable and low risk”