Builder named for Tasmania's $1.13bn waterfront stadium

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 01:03 · Archive

BESIX Watpac has been selected to build a $1.13 billion roofed stadium in Hobart for Tasmania's AFL and AFLW teams.

BESIX Watpac has won the tender to build the Macquarie Point Stadium in Hobart, a 23,000-seat roofed venue that will be home to the Tasmania Devils AFL club from the 2031 season. The company defeated a construction group headed by Italian firm WeBuild. Concerns had been raised about WeBuild's credentials after the company was found to be facing charges over alleged workplace safety breaches in NSW.

The stadium currently carries a price tag of $1.13 billion. The government will contribute $875 million, the federal government $240 million, and the AFL $15 million. Opponents have raised concerns the final figure will be higher by the time a final contract with BESIX Watpac is signed by the end of the year. The stadium was approved in late 2025 by a tight vote in parliament and has proven deeply divisive, with the state facing rising budget debt.

BESIX Watpac recently completed a 30,000-seat roofed stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand at a cost of $650 million, which was under budget. Construction of Hobart's stadium was a condition of the Devils being granted AFL and AFLW licences in 2028.

Builder named for Tasmania's $1.13bn waterfront stadium — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

Builder for new Tasmanian waterfront stadium namedThe builder for a $1.13 billion roofed waterfront stadium in Tasmania, the home of the state's AFL and AFLW teams, has been announced.The West Australian · 15 Oct, 00:38
Builder for new Tasmanian waterfront stadium namedThe builder for a $1.13 billion roofed waterfront stadium in Tasmania, the home of the state's AFL and AFLW teams, has been announced.Perth Now · 15 Oct, 00:38

In this story: BESIX Watpac · Tasmania Devils · Hobart · Jeremy Rockliff · WeBuild · AFL · Macquarie Point Stadium

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