Blundstone Arena Redevelopment underway

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Anthony Albanese, Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings and Member for Franklin Julie Collins along with Cricket Tasmania Chairman Tony Harrison announced the redevelopment of the ground, marking the occasion by turning the first sod.
 
The $30 million dollar project will increase the capacity of Blundstone Arena to 20,000 and will include state-of-the-art public, corporate and media facilities.
 
Cricket Tasmanian Chairman Tony Harrison said today's announcement is a huge step forward for sport in Tasmania.
 
"The success of the KFC T20 Big Bash League and the strong support of the North Melbourne AFL matches at Blundstone Arena suggests that the extra capacity is required to meet public demand."
 
"Increasingly sports fans now demand comfortable seating and protection from the elements. If we are to cater to the demand and expand the product on the ground we must provide these facilities to enable people to enjoy cricket, football and other events in comfort," Mr Harrison said.
 
Minister Albanese said it's an important project not just for Tasmanian sport but for the State itself.
 
"This is a big deal in the short term because of the jobs created through the construction."

"Sport is important as a recreational activity and for fun but it is also a pretty big economic driver and having the World Cup here, being able to be played at a first class stadium will make a big difference as well in 2015. Having North Melbourne play here brings jobs and economic activity here as well," he said.
 
Premier Lara Giddings thanked the Federal Government for their support and praised the efforts of local member Julie Collins. The Premier also said while it will be sad to see the old stands and buildings demolished it opens the door for new opportunities. "
 
With the new facilities we will have much better facilities and somewhere for new memories created."
 
Tasmanian company VOS Construction will oversee the redevelopment, creating around 300 Tasmanian jobs.
 
Blundstone CEO, Mr Steve Gunn said "Blundstone are excited to see this important project for the State get underway and remain as committed as ever to supporting community sport and cricket through Blundstone Arena and the Hobart Hurricanes."
 
The redevelopment will also include improvements to the Southern Stand and is expected to be completed by November 2014, in time for the Cricket World Cup in early 2015.