The state government wants the Commonwealth to chip in $65m for UTAS stadium

The state government is pressing ahead with a major stadium project despite lacking tens of millions in required federal funding.

THE state government is pressing ahead with its Launceston stadium project despite lacking tens of millions in required federal funding.

The government wants the Commonwealth to match the state’s $65m commitment to upgrading UTAS stadium, however a funding deal has not been reached.

The state government is moving forward with its plans regardless, spending almost $10m on consultants so far to design and manage the UTAS stadium upgrade.

Melbourne firm Duo Projects recently won a $1.9m tender to manage the project.

This follows a $7.4m contract to Victorian architecture firm Populous Design to design the revamped stadium formerly known as York Park.

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - MAY 22: A general view before the 2022 AFL Round 10 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Brisbane Lions at UTAS Stadium on May 22, 2022 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The redevelopment of the UTAS Stadium aims to deliver improved patron and player amenities aligned with Australian Tier 2 Stadiums Standards.

The project is being delivered by Infrastructure Tasmania within the Department of State Growth.

A spokesman for the Department of State Growth said Duo Projects would work under the general direction of the department’s project director.

“The provider will undertake a wide range of specialist project management duties and responsibilities over the course of the project. Broadly, the they will represent the department in leading and managing the project’s design, planning, construction and finalisation and delivery phases as well as providing superintendency services,” the spokesman said.

For both the UTAS stadium and the $750m proposed Hobart stadium, the state will require the federal government to pay half.

The projects are part of the bid to secure a Tasmanian AFL team.

During a visit to Hobart last month Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would willingly support major Tasmanian infrastructure projects including stadiums if presented with a solid business case.

MLC Rosemary Armitage speaking during budget estimates. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

In state parliament recently Launceston MLC Rosemary Armitage asked the state government if the project to increase UTAS stadium to 27,500 seats would be impacted by the Hobart stadium.

“If a new stadium is constructed in the state’s south, with the increased seating capacity for York Park/UTAS stadium still go ahead?” Ms Armitage said.

Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Leonie Hiscutt said the state government was in discussions with the Commonwealth about the project

“The state Government is currently considering options to undertake staged development works at the stadium within the available budget. The Launceston City Council is being consulted on these options which include increasing capacity at the stadium. The Tasmanian Government remains committed to its 2021 election commitment however progression of the remaining stage one works beyond the state government’s $65m and any further works will require funding from the Australian Government,” Ms Hiscutt said.