Hobart City council seeks more information about stadium impact on traffic

The Macquarie Point Stadium could affect traffic in Hobart, if a pedestrian bridge is not built. Now the Hobart City Council is seeking more information before it weighs in.

Detailed plans for Hobart’s new $240m Multipurpose Stadium Hobart. Pictures – Supplied

The Hobart City Council will ask the state government for more information about the Macquarie Point Stadium’s impact on traffic, amid concerns the possible lack of a pedestrian bridge could mean two lanes of traffic are closed on an arterial street.

The council will make a submission about the stadium, which is being considered as a Project of State Significance (POSS), but before it can do that, it says more information is needed.

The stadium was declared a POSS in November last year and in September this year the state government formally submitted project documentation to the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC).

The TPC is required to consult with the council and other agencies to produce an assessment report.

Detailed plans for Hobart’s new $240m Multipurpose Stadium Hobart. Pictures – Supplied

The council says there were several infrastructure projects which were excluded from the application, including on the northern access road, the Collins Street active travel bridge, the event bus plaza and a car park on Hunter Street.

“The report indicates if the Collins Street active travel bridge is not included in the design, two lanes of Davey Street will need to be closed during major events to ensure pedestrian safety,” councillor Gemma Kitsos said during Monday’s meeting.

“This would reduce Davey Street to a single lane, which would have significant or wide ranging consequences for the transport network across Hobart.

“Given the scale of this issue, I believe it is essential we seek further clarity and request the commission engages with the government to understand how the transport network will function without the bridge.”

HCC councillor Gemma Kitsos at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Councillor Bill Harvey asked if the proposed pedestrian bridge would alleviate the issue of closing lanes on Davey Street.

“Based on the submission we believe so,” the council’s city futures director Neil Noye said.

Ms Kitsos said a study also needed to be conducted into how noise and vibrations from construction and operation of the stadium would affect the Federation Concert Hall, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal and Film Studio and the TSO practice rooms.

“The TSO must be shielded from disruptions that could impair its ability to rehearse, perform and record,” she said.

“The proposed stadium is just 170-metres away from the Federation Concert Hall.”

Deputy mayor Zelinda Sherlock said it was important to note the council was not taking a stance on the project at this stage.

“We’re seeking this additional advice … the submission is in order to form a view on the project, more time is required to fully review and assess the application. That’s what this submission is about,” she said.