The Australian Institute of Architects is disappointed at the decision to invest $715 million in a new sports stadium precinct in Hobart without due urban planning processes.
Last night’s Budget confirmed the Australian Government would commit $240 million to the Macquarie Point urban renewal redevelopment.
The nation’s peak body for architects, representing almost 14,000 urban design professionals, has raised concerns about potential negative impacts on connectivity, should the proposed AFL venue proceed.
National President Shannon Battisson said the development should be master-planned with integrated transport, in line with existing guidelines.
“An infrastructure development of the scale of the $700m Hobart stadium precinct should deliver a net benefit for the built environment and people of the city,” she said.
“While it’s pleasing to see the Federal and Tasmanian Governments working together to attract more investment to Tasmania, they need to deliver well-planned catalytic infrastructure that will boost the city for all.
“As it stands, the stadium will lack connection to the city and public and active transport options. More planning rigour is required.
“Hasty decisions and ad hoc processes inevitably lead to suboptimal outcomes for the precinct and, more importantly, the people.”
The Institute has called on the State Government to ensure priority is given to successfully integrating the stadium development with the city and new public transport options.
The Institute looks forward to working with the State Government to ensure effective planning processes are undertaken to make the most of this critical infrastructure development, in line with the needs of the community.
“We look forward to finding out more about the associated transport and other community infrastructure proposed for the Macquarie Point redevelopment,” Ms Battisson said.
“We will be monitoring plans for this major project to ensure the promised social, economic, housing, transport and First Nations benefits are delivered as promised.”
Media enquiries
For further information, please contact: Rosanne Barrett on behalf of the Australian Institute of Architects
M. +61 (0) 425 420 024 | hello@barrettcomms.com.au
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