'The consequences are real': Concerns over Hobart stadium as cost balloons by $200 million
Updated . First published at
The Tasmanian state government has revealed a new price tag for the Macquarie Point stadium, with the number ballooning by $200m since the last release.
The new $945m price is similar to the number estimated by the Tasmania Planning Commission, which was shot down by the government at the time.
It comes as uncertainty continues to build as to whether the stadium will be built. If it isn't, the Tassie Devils AFL team will be scrapped.
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The state government's upper house will vote in late July on whether to build the stadium, with the AFL crystal clear - no stadium, no team.
A new render of what the stadium will look like was revealed, showing a new design for the roof.
A new render of what the Tassie stadium would look like in AFL season. Twitter
While it remains transparent, it seemingly has addressed Cricket Australia's concerns surrounding awkward shadows the roof would cast on the ground below.
The new price tag will "enhance the stadium user experience to better cater for a wide range of planned uses, including helping to facilitate cricket at the venue," the new legislation states.
"It also accounts for detailed items such as audio-visual, communications, kitchen & food and beverage fit-outs."
Speaking on Nine's Footy Classified on Monday night, Sam McClure stated he believes the vote on the stadium's approval is currently a 50-50 bet.
Devils CEO Brendon Gale expressed optimism about the vote last week.
"It's a compelling opportunity for the state of Tasmania. It's a once in a generation opportunity that will never happen again," Gale told SEN.
"On that basis, I'm confident.
"The condition of this team is the delivery of the stadium and if the stadium isn't delivered, there's no team - it's as simple as that.
"It's a relatively uncontroversial comment, it's been the case since day one. The consequences are real and they're real for everyone to see."
