Hobart’s proposed new sports stadium – a home ground for the Tasmanian Devils AFL teams – has come under fire from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, which is asking for a “common sense rethink” of the stadium’s location. The site is just 170m from the TSO’s recently renovated main venue, Federation Concert Hall.

While voicing support for Tasmania’s AFL and AFLW teams and the need for a high-performance stadium in Hobart, the proposed location is deeply problematic, said TSO’s Chief Executive Officer Caroline Sharpen.

Federation Concert Hall, Hobart. Photo © Barrylb, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

“We’re certain there must be a less terrible location for our new stadium. Tasmania is one of the least densely built-up corners of the world. Surely, there is a spot that does not compromise our state concert hall, our Cenotaph and war memorial, and the famous maritime heritage of our waterfront.”

According to Sharpen: “We’re yet to find another example of a government anywhere in the world prepared to build a 23,000-seat stadium 170m from the perimeter of their state performing arts centre.”