(Photo: ABC News / AFL)
A big move has been made towards the actualization of the long-awaited $715 million multipurpose stadium at Hobart's Macquarie Point. The board has chosen Cox Architecture as the main design consultant. The choice was made after comprehensive market testing that aimed to shortlist the most suitable candidate for the challenging project.
The firm is the go-to destination for all architectural projects related to stadia, with a fantastic portfolio that comprises some of the finest stadia worldwide, including the Adelaide Oval, Perth's Optus Stadium, and Sydney's Allianz Stadium. So, it is evident that the company is doing its best in this field. The Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC) praised Cox as an ideal candidate for the project, mentioning that his experience and innovative style of stadium design made him a perfect match for the venture.
MPDC CEO Anne Beach expressed her confidence in the selection, underlining the collaborative nature of the design team. Alongside Cox Architecture, the consortium includes local Tasmanian firm Cumulus Studio and a cadre of specialist engineers and technicians comprising AECOM, Cova, Aldanmark, Pitt, and Sherry. Notably, international partner Schlaich Bergermann Partners (SBP) brings a wealth of global experience.
Beach emphasized the fusion of national and international talent as instrumental in ensuring the project's success and leaving a lasting legacy within the local industry. Cumulus Studio's intimate understanding of Tasmanian intricacies is expected to be pivotal in navigating the project's unique challenges and leveraging its expertise in local services and materials.
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Unveiling the Stadium Concept Design
While Cox Architecture had previously crafted the preliminary draft precinct plan, the final stadium concept design is yet to be unveiled. Anticipated for release in mid-2024, the design promises to deviate from initial drafts, presenting a fresh perspective shaped by the collaborative efforts of the design team.
Beyond the consultancy realm, the project heralds opportunities for burgeoning architects, with four internships slated to be offered at Cox Architecture's Hobart project office. AECOM will also provide four undergraduate placements, further enriching the talent pool involved in the endeavor. Besides, SBP in Germany will offer internship opportunities. Thus, the students will be able to experience the interaction between different cultures and generate ideas that will be new for the business.
The Vision for Macquarie Point Stadium
Thus, the plan for a covered arena with an average of 23,000 seats is to be the center of Hobart's sporting and cultural landscape. The venue, the Tasmanian AFL football team's future home ground, is expected to host many sporting events, artist performances, and entertainment.
Still, the project met a regulatory obstacle after the Tasmanian Heritage Council, which gave the Hobart Railway Goods Shed, built at the stadium's site, permanent heritage status, ruling out the location for the stadium. Undeterred, the MPDC affirmed its commitment to the project, pledging to adapt plans to accommodate the historically significant structure.
As anticipation mounts and stakeholders eagerly await the unveiling of the stadium's concept designs, the appointment of Cox Architecture signals a pivotal juncture in the journey towards transforming Macquarie Point into a vibrant hub of activity, encapsulating the spirit of innovation and collaboration at the heart of Tasmania's architectural landscape.
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