Macquarie Point stadium public hearings: Architect Chris Goss speaks on pros of design

The architect who submitted an expert report into the likely visual impacts of a Mac Point stadium says a single, calmer element would be better than a series of abandoned sheds, yards and warehouses.

Renders of Macquarie Point stadium. Picture: Cox Architecture. **Hobart stadium, Mac Point stadium, new Tasmania AFL stadium

The architect who submitted an expert report into the likely visual impacts of proposed sports stadium at Macquarie Point has faced questions over findings relating to the Hobart Cenotaph, during Tasmanian Planning Commission public hearings on Tuesday.

Orbit Solutions director, Chris Goss, told the TPC panel that the Cenotaph was located in a part of a highly urbanised environment that had experienced continual change since the war memorial’s construction after WWI.

Mr Goss told the TPC panel that as one of Australia’s original cenotaphs, the monument’s historical values were rightly held in high regard, but said the adjacent built environment Sullivans Cove had been undergoing continual evolution starting from colonial times.

New renders of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, home of the Tasmanian Devils. Provided May 26, 2025.

Counsel assisting the TPC panel, Andrew Walker, suggested to Mr Goss that the proposed stadium would introduce a stark change to the Cenotaph’s existing values, and asked whether the project’s “clear, geometric dome shape” was consistent with area.

“The alternative to a singular building is the status quo, which is a series of abandoned, semi-abandoned and reutilised sheds, yards, and warehouses,” Mr Goss responded.

“Or a busy built form, whether it’s a residential series of buildings.

“Because of the way this area is evolving, something is going to be there.

“If it’s of singular use in terms of its purpose and its singular use, there is certainly less visual clutter to deal with.

“And in terms of the sanctity of the place, I put it to you that having something that’s essentially a calmer – or more singular element — is going to have less effect than something which was busier in multitude”.

During Mr Goss’s evidence, barristers engaged in a brief clash over the appropriate questioning of witnesses, with state government-hired silk, Christopher Townshend KC, asking TPC panel chair, Paul Turner SC, about the counsel assisting’s approach.

“Can I just say Mr Chairman, there’s a tone in the questioning,” Mr Townshend said.

“The point you are making [to the witness] is the problem, Mr Walker.

“You are not meant to be making a point — you are counsel assist.”

Macquarie Point the site of the proposed AFL stadium. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Earlier on Tuesday, the panel heard the stadium’s crowd evacuation plans complied with emergency standards set out in the internationally recognised “Green Guide” protocol.

Cox Architecture director, Alastair Richardson, also told the hearing that he was confident the most recent cost estimate for the project of $945 million remained accurate, but indicated the figure could change as the project progressed.

“The budget is done by the quantity surveyors under the direct engagement of the client,” Mr Richardson explained.

“The basis of our estimation is the cost information given as to at the time.

“However, budgets have typically varied in relation to the stages of the project by the client.

“The final process is always the contract that’s actually signed … with the builder. The builder gives a final estimation on the cost to do the work.”

Mr Richardson was also asked by the TPC panel whether a fixed and translucent roof was currently used at any stadium in the world where cricket was played.

“No, there aren’t any in relation to cricket,” Mr Richardson responded.

“This will be the first.

“Although there are stadiums where rugby is played.”

Originally published as Macquarie Point stadium public hearings: Architect Chris Goss speaks on pros of design