The Tasmanian Government has revealed new plans for its $715-million Macquarie Point Stadium, which the state has dubbed a ”once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. Billed as “the world’s largest timber-roofed stadium,” it could host the world’s first indoor Test cricket match if the International Cricket Council (ICC) approves it.

It comes as new concept designs for the 23,000-seat fully roofed stadium — which will host the state’s newly minted AFL club, the Tasmania Devils — include a compact seating bowl design, a “woven-style” timber facade and a fixed dome translucent roof.

Wood Central understands that Tasmanian timbers will feature both internally and externally in the stadium’s facade. Lead architect Cox Architecture took inspiration from the former railway roundhouse structure, which was part of the old Hobart Rail Yard from 1915 until the 1980s.

Considered a “game-changing,” the project is the “centrepiece” of rejuvenating a central precinct in the heart of Hobart. It has attracted significant financial supportfrom the State Government ($340m), the Australian Government ($240m), and the AFL ($15m), with the bulk of the funds raised through borrowings against land sale or lease for commercial uses. 

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