Due to worries about shadows and its capacity to accommodate cricket, Tasmania’s proposed waterfront stadium, which is a requirement for the state’s admission into the AFL, may wind up with a smaller roof.
Concerns regarding the plans for the 23,000-seat Macquarie Point stadium have been expressed in a letter to the state government by Cricket Australia (CA) and Cricket Tasmania.
As part of a contract with the AFL for a 19th licence and entrance into the men’s league in 2028, the Hobart location must have a roofed stadium built.
According to the two cricket organizations’ letter, which the ABC was able to get, the stadium’s roof design makes it unlikely that Test matches will be held there. Holding T20 and one-day matches could be difficult, they add.
The letter expresses worries about how the roof’s shadows affect the playing area, especially the cricket pitch block during the day.
“For this reason, we would like to discuss with you what opportunity there is to consider a stadium design option that does not have a roof, or that has an operable roof,” the letter to the state’s administration states.
According to a spokeswoman, Cricket Tasmania and CA are in favor of the stadium, which is expected to cost AU$775 million, and want to see it built.
A translucent fixed dome-shaped roof supported by steel and wood is part of the stadium’s design. All parties were working through the difficulties, according to Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who signed the agreement with the AFL.
According to Mr. Rockliff, the government was open to design possibilities, including a partial roof, but was committed to a roof.
“This is not just an AFL stadium, it is a multi-purpose stadium that needs to cater for events, other codes of sport,” he stated to reporters.
Anne Beach, CEO of Macquarie Point Development Corporation, stated that plans were being refined.
She stated before a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday that “you then have a fair bit of contrast on a fully clear day because we have a fully transparent covering.” “The beams are comparatively small because they have been made as efficient as possible. However, they do throw a shadow since they are still present.
According to Ms. Beach, there were a number of strategies to deal with shadows, such as modifying the building materials and lowering the quantity of timber beams.
According to her, the roof’s extent “might be something” that required examination.
“We are in constant dialogue with the Tasmanian government about the design for the Macquarie Point stadium,” a representative for CA stated. “We want to ensure the stadium is fit for purpose for all forms of cricket so we can bring the best possible international and domestic cricket to the stadium and maximise benefits for all Tasmanians.”
The Australian Football League has reaffirmed its intention to build a covered stadium with 23,000 seats at Macquarie Point. The AFL is providing AU$15 million to the site’s development, while the federal government is investing AU$240 million.
An independent planning committee is evaluating the proposal, which has a 2029 build objective. It will provide a draft report by the end of March and a final report in September. The state parliament must then vote it through to approve it.
The Labor opposition in Tasmania is in favor of the stadium but has expressed worries about its delivery.
“Nowhere in the world has cricket been played under a cross laminated timber roof,” stated Josh Willie, a Labor MP. “It is up to the premier [in terms of] how he is going to deliver the project.”
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