Get the appIndependent Member for Nelson Meg Webb says the Legislative Council will debate a formal request for the government to release the final expected total construction costs of the Macquarie Point stadium. The debate is set for the following day.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints will play the first NFL game held in France, at Stade de France in Paris. The stadium sits in Saint-Denis, just outside the city, and opened in 1998 ahead of the FIFA World Cup. It has a maximum capacity of 81,338 people, similar to many NFL stadiums. The venue is the home of France's national soccer and rugby teams and has hosted major events, including the 2016 UEFA Euro tournament and three UEFA Champions League finals.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr has said a proposed all-weather stadium for Canberra is worth looking at, and that a public-private partnership would be the best approach. The Canberra Airport-led proposal, which seats between 25,000 and 36,000, would be sited on Catholic church land at Regatta Place. Mr Barr said the site's light rail link and walk to the city centre were clear advantages. He said the proposal must first pass Commonwealth assessment, and that the business case should consider a membership-based model overseen by an independent trust.
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Get the appCost pressures could push up the final price of Hobart's new stadium, the head of the body delivering it has said. BESIX Watpac was announced as the preferred builder on Thursday. The project is budgeted at $1.13 billion, but that estimate is more than a year old, and construction costs have risen since. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the final cost will be revealed shortly before the contract is signed. He would not confirm whether the state's contribution would be capped at $875 million. Independent MLC Meg Webb said the full cost is likely to be well above $1.13 billion.
Independent member Kristie Johnston has called on the government to release the updated cost of the AFL stadium now that the contract competition is over. She says the figure must be made public without delay.
Australian firm BESIX Watpac has been chosen to build the Macquarie Point Stadium in Hobart, future home of the Tasmania Devils AFL club. The company beat a group led by Italian firm WeBuild, which faced charges over alleged workplace safety breaches in NSW. The stadium currently carries a price tag of $1.13 billion, and opponents fear the final figure will rise before a contract is signed by the end of the year. The state government says it will cap its contribution at $875 million. The federal government is contributing $240 million and the AFL $15 million.
Construction firm BESIX Watpac has been chosen as preferred builder for Hobart's Macquarie Point Stadium, the state government has announced. The firm beat WeBuild, an Italian-led consortium, in the second and final stage of the tender. A fixed-price contract is expected to be signed before Christmas, but the final cost is yet to be set. Price talks will continue over the next two months. The state funding cap is $875 million, and the stadium is not expected to be complete until December 2030.
The team designing a proposed Canberra stadium says the facility could enhance Commonwealth Park, including the Canberra Aquatic Centre and Floriade. Canberra Airport has appointed global firm Populous to develop plans for the covered, all-events stadium, which would seat 25,000 to 36,000 people on church land at Regatta Place. Populous architect Al Baxter said there may be room to keep a pool beside the stadium, and that this must still be tested. Airport boss Stephen Byron said a few beds of Floriade on the eastern edge would be affected.
Stadium design firm Populous has been appointed to carry out concept design and feasibility work for a proposed all-events, covered stadium in Canberra. Canberra Airport Group leads the consortium behind the proposal and will fund the planning and feasibility studies for government consideration. The consortium is in talks with the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn about acquiring the Archbishop's House site next to Commonwealth Park. Funding would need to come from both the Federal and ACT Governments. Canberra Airport managing director Stephen Byron said the assessment would be independent and evidence-led.
A proposed 25,000-35,000 seat stadium in Canberra's CBD near Commonwealth Park could impact the Griffins' original city plan. The Canberra Airport and a business consortium propose buying land from the Catholic Church for the venue, which would host sports and music events. Historian Tony Maple warns the stadium could encroach on the Griffins' legacy and reduce parkland around Lake Burley Griffin. The National Capital Authority will work with all parties as the concept develops.
A new proposal for a city stadium in Canberra has reignited debate, with the Archbishop’s House land at Regatta Place as a potential site. The plan, inspired by the success of the Christchurch stadium, has gained support from city leaders and the ACT’s multi-hatted minister Chris Steel. The airport-led consortium aims to present a $500 million business case, with funding expected to be split between the federal and ACT governments. The stadium’s location offers views to the lake and the Brindabellas, with existing public transport options nearby.
Hume Council has indicated that additional funding will be necessary to finalise a stadium project in Sunbury, despite a $15 million pledge from the state government. The proposed sports and arts precinct, intended for Sunbury College, has received support from local sporting associations and the college principal. Council has expressed willingness to collaborate with these groups and political parties to advance the project, pending budget approval. The facility aims to serve students and the broader community, addressing current infrastructure shortages.
A consortium of Canberra business leaders has proposed a 25,000-seat waterfront stadium near Regatta Place. The plan, modelled on Christchurch's Te Kaha Stadium, would require Commonwealth land currently occupied by the Archbishop's House. ACT Senator Katy Gallagher and Treasurer Chris Steel have responded cautiously, noting transport and parking concerns. The federal government will also weigh in, as the proposal involves Commonwealth land and competes with plans for a new pool and convention centre.
A consortium led by Canberra Airport has proposed building a 25,000 to 36,000-seat stadium in Canberra’s city centre within four years. The group plans to acquire the Archbishop’s House site and surrounding land, donating it to a stadium trust. They will present a planning package to the Commonwealth, which would need to approve and fund the project. The proposal has received support from business and sporting leaders, with ACT senator Katy Gallagher and Canberra Liberals leader Mark Parton expressing interest.
Canberra Airport has proposed building a new stadium in the city centre, at a site previously ruled out by the ACT government. The venue would host international music acts and major sporting events, with crowds within walking distance of public transport, hotels, and restaurants. The proposed site includes the Archbishop's House at Regatta Place, on Commonwealth land. The design is inspired by New Zealand's Te Kaha stadium in Christchurch, which opened in 2026 and cost around $531 million. Canberra Airport said it would contribute to the proposal's development but would not own or operate the stadium.
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Get the appCanberra Airport has proposed a 25,000-seat city stadium on Commonwealth land at Regatta Place, near Commonwealth Park. The proposal, inspired by Christchurch’s Te Kaha Stadium, aims to revitalise the city centre and create a venue for major events. The airport will work with stakeholders to develop the concept, with a cost estimate expected in four to six months. Chief Minister Andrew Barr previously opposed the site, citing community concerns.