Two Teams Race for Hobart's Billion-Dollar Stadium

0:00It's April 18th. You're listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Cory with the story. The race to build Hobart's new waterfront stadium is down to just two contenders after the first round of bids. We're talking about the $1 billion, $113 million, McCory Point Project, key to bringing an AFL team to Tasmania. The Tasmanian government wants to pick a winner by the end of 2026. One team is the Constructure Joint Venture, featuring China Construction, Oceania, a local arm of China's massive state-owned builder alongside Italy's. We'll build an Aussie firm, McConnell Dowell, who handled the bridge water bridge. The other is Bessik's YPAC, fresh off a $600 million stadium gig in New Zealand, and now eyeing Brisbane's two. Officials are hyped, calling it a big step with top-tier players stepping up. Mr. Eric Abbott's stressed chances for local jobs and businesses, turning old wasteland into a buzzing events hub for all Tasmanians.

1:02The stadium won't be ready for AFL games until the start of the 2031 season, with completion eyed for end of 2030. It got a green light from Parliament last December, despite planters saying no, back by $240 million from the Feds in 15, million from the AFL. After this week, they dropped a master plan too, with shops south of the stadium and homes up north, setting the stage for this precinct to reshape. Hobards vibe for years?