Macquarie Point
| Macquarie Point Tasmania | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The Goods Shed at Macquarie Point | |||||||||||||||
  Macquarie Point | |||||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 42°52′46.52″S 147°20′11.66″E / 42.8795889°S 147.3365722°E | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 7000 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 9.3 km2 (3.6 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 0 km (0 mi) NE of Hobart CBD | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | City of Hobart | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Hobart | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Clark | ||||||||||||||
| Federal division(s) | Clark | ||||||||||||||
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Macquarie Point is a prominent 9.3 ha (23-acre) parcel of land located in central Hobart, Tasmania, bounded by Sullivans Cove, Davey Street, the Hobart Cenotaph, and facilities operated by the Port of Hobart and TasPorts.[1]
History
[edit]Historically, the site served industrial and transport functions, including a gas works and infrastructure associated with the Hobart railway station, such as a rail yard, goods sheds, a traction maintenance depot, a railway turntable and a roundhouse. These operations declined following the closure of the South Line terminal and the relocation of freight activity to the Brighton Transport Hub.[2][3]
With the land vacated, Macquarie Point was identified as a significant opportunity for urban renewal and reconnection of the city to its waterfront.
Macquarie Point Development Corporation
[edit]
In 2012, the Tasmanian Government created the Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC) through specific legislation to manage the site's planning, remediation and redevelopment.[4] That same year, Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese committed $50 million to support site remediation as part of the Second Gillard ministry.[5]
Development proposals
[edit]2014–15 Masterplan
[edit]The first major development framework was released in 2014–15 by the MPDC, with design input from John Wardle Architects, 1+2 Architecture, Leigh Woolley Architecture & Urban Design, Inspiring Place, Taylor Cullity Lethlean, Village Well and Navire.[6]
This plan envisioned a mixed-use precinct with residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational zones. Key goals included restoring public access to the waterfront and activating the area with new civic spaces.[7] Despite early support, implementation was slow, and by 2016 there were growing concerns over the feasibility and delivery of the plan.[8]
Eden Project proposal
[edit]In 2016, British businessman Sir Tim Smit proposed a local iteration of the Eden Project, focusing on Antarctic and ecotourism themes. The concept included a discovery centre, hotel, cruise terminal, and residential elements.[9] However, after delays and a pivot toward opportunities in Victoria, the proposal was withdrawn in 2019.[10]
National Truth and Reconciliation Art Park
[edit]In late 2016, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) released an ambitious proposal for a National Truth and Reconciliation Art Park on the site. Designed by Fender Katsalidis, Rush Wright Associates, and Greg Lehman, the plan featured a fire-and-light installation celebrating over 40,000 years of continuous Palawa culture, alongside a cultural centre, gallery, library, conference centre, and music bowl.[11][12]
Although the state government expressed in-principle support, cost and delivery timelines became major concerns. The MPDC subsequently initiated a revised strategy in 2017, known as the "Reset Masterplan", to realign priorities.[13]
Stadium proposal (2019–present)
[edit]Amid stagnation in development progress, architect and Hobart Brewing Co. co-owner Don Gallagher in 2019 proposed a multi-use precinct centred on an AFL-standard stadium. The unsolicited plan also included a hotel, convention centre, and new hospitality venues.[14]
Although initially outside the endorsed masterplan, the concept gained traction in public discourse. However, the Tasmanian Government reaffirmed at the time that no stadium was included in its official planning documents.[15]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "About Mac Point". Mac Point. 1 January 1970. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ End of the line for TasRail's last train out of Hobart, The Mercury, 22 June 2014
- ^ Tasmanian Rail News, Issue 255, October 2014, p. 2
- ^ "Macquarie Point Development Corporation Act 2012". Tasmanian Legislation Online. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ "Federal Government Backs Transformation Of Macquarie Point". 22 June 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ "Macquarie Point Framework". Wardle. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ Harris, Mike (7 May 2024). "Redeveloping Macquarie Point: A case study". Architecture Australia. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ "Macquarie Point: Concerns growing over future of Hobart development". ABC News. 10 July 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ "Antarctic ecotourism development proposed for Hobart's Macquarie Point". ABC News. 20 June 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
- ^ Howard, Jessica (24 May 2019). "Eden Project to build in Victoria as delays scuttle Macquarie Point bid". The Mercury (Hobart).
- ^ "MONA waterfront vision to cost $2 billion, likely to change over 30-year timeframe". ABC News. 11 December 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ Guivarra, Nancia (15 December 2016). "Looking past Hobart Mayor's 'I didn't kill them' comments: MONA's vision unveiled". NITV. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ "Reset Masterplan 2017-2030" (PDF). Tasmanian Planning Commission. Macquarie Point Development Corporation. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ "Plans for AFL stadium at Mac Point released". ABC News. 22 October 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ "Government delivers verdict on architect's vision for city stadium at Macquarie Point". realestate.com.au. 22 October 2019. Retrieved 10 May 2025.