Image proves proposed Hobart stadium is an ‘absolute travesty’

A new image of the proposed Hobart stadium has drawn widespread backlash with the enormous structure taking over the city.

A proposed image for the new Hobart stadium has been labelled as an “absolute travesty” in a damning indictment on the AFL’s plans.

The new stadium is planned for Hobart’s Macquarie Point and an image of the 23,000-seat stadium shows the gargantuan size of the structure.

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A prominent Tasmanian architect scorched the digitally rendered image of the massive stadium overshadowing the historic harbour.

“Hobart’s Sullivans Cove is the epicentre of Hobart’s historic precinct and everything that is designed within it has to follow strict guidelines, especially with regards to building height and overall form,” he said in a media release.

“It’s therefore an absolute complete travesty when the massive bulk of the new stadium is able to intrude so grossly into a very sensitive area that everyone else is working hard to respect.”

Macquarie Point stadium opponents have bought two billboard ads to display this image in Hobart and Glenorchy

It shows the scale of the stadium when looking from Sullivans Cove on the Hobart waterfront

You’d assume it won’t be a grey block though…#politaspic.twitter.com/wgpypM2R7F

— Adam Holmes (@AdamHolmes010) June 21, 2023

In analysis done by Bence Mulcahy Architects, the proposed plans are too big and would encroach on the city’s wharves.

The image of the enormous stadium overlooking the city is set to be used in an anti-stadium billboard advertising campaign.

“(Premier) Jeremy Rockliff promised the Sydney Opera House, but instead he’s going to build the Berlin Wall,” novelist Richard Flanagan said.

It comes on the heels of MP John Tucker threatening to trigger an early state election unless treasury advice on the project is released.

“If they don’t provide that information, well there’s going to be a confidence problem in the government and we’ll be off to an election,” Mr Tucker told local radio. “The Premier is well aware of that.”

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan overlooking Macquarie Point.

Stop the Stadium rally on parliament lawns Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The inclusion of a 19th team into the AFL comes with a clear provision — without a stadium, no license will be handed over.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said he would not wade into what he called a “Tasmanian political issue” but added the state could not have an AFL team without the stadium.

“There’s clearly some heavy politics going on down there and it’s reasonable for individuals and others to have their views,” he said.

“I would think the deal, the opportunity to have a Tasmanian team is significant and right before the people of Tasmania.

“It’s now an arrangement that if you want an AFL team, it comes with a stadium. Now people have their views about that, but it’s now funded and funded by the state government in part, which is what people are talking about.

“There’s $360m going down there from the AFL, there’s $305m coming from the federal government, and it is something that comes together, you can’t have one without the other and it’s actually a moment that will actually change Tasmania.”

Originally published as Image proves proposed Hobart stadium is an ‘absolute travesty’