Redevelopment of Macquarie Point Precinct in Hobart a step closer to reality

The Australian Government has accepted the Macquarie Point Precinct Master Plan and Housing Plan – two key plans that will ultimately revitalise Macquarie Point in Hobart, Tasmania.

The Master Plan lays out the vision for an accessible mixed-use precinct as well as details how it will create a place to gather, celebrate and reflect through the arts, culture, sport, events and entertainment.

“Our vision for Macquarie Point will turn this industrial wasteland into a thriving precinct, and we’re pleased the Federal Government has endorsed our way forward.

“This entire project will be distinctly Tasmanian bringing together sports, entertainment, hospitality, accommodation and more into what will be a brand new cultural and community precinct for the whole state.

“With this next step complete it signals to the business community, to hoteliers, to builders, to tourism operators and more that now is the time to get ready,” Tasmanian Macquarie Point Urban Renewal Minister Eric Abetz said.

The long-term strategy to transform Macquarie Point is also outlined in the Master Plan, which brings together the new Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium, public plazas, mixed-use and hospitality spaces.

The precinct will maintain the transport connectivity and port operations that support the region’s freight, logistics and Antarctic research activities.

“Macquarie Point will become a world-class, year-round destination for Tasmanians and bring a significant boost to the state’s tourism sector.

“The Precinct will be more than a well-deserved home for the Devils – it will create new housing, improve transport links adjacent to the Hobart CBD and upgrade the wharves.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Tasmanian Government to deliver this significant project for Hobart,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.

Macquarie Point Precinct Master Plan (source: Mac Point)

Under the Federal Funding Agreement, the Australian Government is committing $240 million towards the overall development of Macquarie Point to ensure the delivery of substantial housing at the precinct, including a portion of that for affordable, essential worker or social housing at Regatta Point.

The development will also incorporate a revitalised public waterfront to encourage greater public use of the foreshore and create new commercial spaces.

The Macquarie Point Precinct Master Plan and Housing Plan both satisfy the non-financial milestones under the Federation Funding Agreement between the Australian and Tasmanian Governments. Discussions on financial delivery milestones are now underway between the two levels of government as well.

“I am delighted that the precinct will include housing for allied health professionals and other health-related workers, in an ideal location nearby the Royal Hobart Hospital and the University of Tasmania’s School of Medicine.

“This is a site that has been underused for years, and this plan is about finally unlocking it for the people of Hobart, with housing, public space and a waterfront that actually gets used,” Senator Carol Brown said.

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Premier of Tasmania – Latest News; Mac Point (1, 2); ABC News; Pulse Tasmania