Federal Hotels has backed the alternative Macquarie Point stadium design
Tourism powerhouse Federal Hotels has backed the alternative Macquarie Point stadium design, and has urged the government to change tack. Latest.
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A Tasmanian tourism powerhouse has backed the Cenotaph-hugging alternative Hobart stadium design that was put forward as a potential centrepiece of a Macquarie Point urban renewal makeover.
Federal Group announced its support on Wednesday for the alternative stadium at the regatta grounds, designed by Melbourne-based Tasmanian Dean Coleman, and urged the state government to pivot to the new option rather than its initial proposal for Macquarie Point.
The original Mac Point stadium was for a stand-alone 23,000-seat fix-roof venue on the flat, reclaimed land in the ports precinct.
The upstart option, also with 23,000 seats and a retractable roof, is carved into the hillside of the Cenotaph and projects 250m into the Derwent on land reclaimed by repurposing about 70 per cent of the excavated earth.
Federal Group executive general manager, Dr Daniel Hanna, said the Macquarie Point 2.0 multi-purpose roofed stadium was an impressive design in a more appropriate location.
“The alternative stadium proposal is an example of a modern development that will not impact the heritage values of the Hunter Street and Evans Street precinct of the Hobart waterfront,” Dr Hanna said.
The group owns some of Tasmania’s showpiece hotels – Saffire Freycinet, Wrest Point, Launceston Country Club, and on the Hobart waterfront MACq 01 and Henry Jones.
Federal has another hotel development coming soon on Evans Street, which runs parallel to Macquarie Point.
“Locals and visitors to our city love the views from the Hobart waterfront and one of the real benefits of the alternative stadium proposal is that it would not be seen from Hunter Street, Salamanca Place, or indeed anywhere on the docks,” Dr Hanna said.
“The Hobart waterfront has some of the most impressive built heritage in Australia and this proposal would allow the city to preserve these vistas while allowing for a state-of-the-art stadium precinct within easy walking distance of the waterfront and CBD.
“We certainly have concerns about a stadium on Macquarie Point, incorporating a very tall structure that would be built right to the edge of the site adjoining Evans St. The alternative proposal designed by Dean Coleman addresses these concerns.”
Dr Hanna also said that the alternative stadium proposal dealt with numerous concerns raised by stakeholders and the public about the proposed Macquarie Point site.
“The proponents of the alternative stadium proposal have done an excellent job of consulting with stakeholders and seeking to address the issues and concerns that have dominated the public debate about a stadium in recent months,” he said.
“We have noted the support expressed by critical stakeholders and organisations in the precinct.
“The access and transport arrangements at the regatta grounds seem far superior and will allow continued and ongoing unimpeded access through Evans Street and Hunter Street.
“This access is vital for servicing the many businesses and important operations in the precinct.
“The alternative proposal also offers the opportunity for thousands of parking spaces.
“We know that parking can already be a challenge at certain times of year in Hobart and that providing parking will be especially critical for a 23,000-seat stadium hosting AFL football and many other large events.
“The additional parking will also remove pressure on current parking facilities in the city.”
The alternative stadium proposal would free up the Macquarie Point site for other uses, including the proposed reconciliation park.
“Moving the stadium to the Regatta grounds would open up the many alternative uses for Macquarie Point that had been discussed prior to becoming dominated by the stadium debate,” Dr Hanna said.
“This would provide an opportunity to reset and start a consultation process to look at a mix of public spaces and complementary uses for Macquarie Point.
“We believe that the reconciliation park originally proposed by MONA is an appropriate development for the site. Similarly, low-rise Antarctic science and research facilities would also be an excellent complementary activity for the Macquarie Point site.”
He urged the Tasmanian government to seriously consider the Dean Coleman’s alternative stadium proposal.
“We would ask the Tasmanian Government to consider the alternative stadium proposal located at the Regatta grounds,” Dr Hanna said.
“As a minimum it would be appropriate for the Tasmanian government to enter a process with the proponent as it really does address the issues and concerns raised by stakeholders in the area and the wider Tasmanian public.
“The alternative stadium proposal would allow a reset of the public debate about the Macquarie Point site and the future stadium.
“This reset would mean Tasmanians can focus on the exciting prospect of having our own team in the AFL and the many alternative uses for the site at Macquarie Point.”
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