BESIX Watpac selected as preferred Macquarie Point Stadium

Premier of Tasmania Jeremy Rockliff said this was an exciting day for the state.

"We have searched the globe to find the best possible builder for our Macquarie Point Stadium," Premier Rockliff said.

"This moment cannot be understated - we are on the cusp of delivering thousands of jobs, injecting billions into our economy and creating a precinct that every single Tasmanian can be proud of.

"Activity will soon increase at the precinct, bringing with it opportunity and activity the likes of which Hobart has never seen before.

“Over the coming month the Watpac team will continue to work with the Macquarie Point Development Corporation to finalise details to inform the delivery of this project.

"Let's get on with it."

BESIX Watpac Chief Executive Officer Mark Baker said this is a major win for the company.

"Being named preferred contractor for the Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium is an important milestone for our business and Southern Region team," he said

"We’re excited to continue to work closely with Macquarie Point Development Corporation through this next phase and bring our stadium and international expertise to the project.

"Wherever we work, we take a local-first approach, creating opportunities for businesses, jobs and skills development. Our team will bring that same commitment to Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium."

Minister for Macquarie Point Urban Renewal, Eric Abetz, said that this work to transform this underutilised land will be a powerful economic driver.

"The critical preparatory works are underway, there are diggers in and the vision is beginning to come to life," Minister Abetz said.

"The Macquarie Point Stadium will significantly boost tourism, it will boost economic activity, it will deliver jobs, training and a future for so many Tasmanians.

"It will be the first thing that greets people as they enter our capital city - a bustling waterfront precinct that is the envy of the nation.

"We are getting on with the job of delivering for Tasmania, we cannot wait to see this stadium coming out of the ground."

The Stage 1 evaluation followed an earlier Expression of Interest process that shortlisted proponents to participate in the tender.

The Stage 2 process will allow further refinement of project delivery and continued engagement with local industry before any final decision on contract award is made.

Contract award is being targeted for the end of the year