The City of Launceston is drawing up redevelopment designs for two key CBD streets as part of the Launceston City Heart Project, following productive community consultation.
The first stage of the project involved an award-winning public consultation process, which sought to understand how Launceston residents wanted to see their CBD developing in the future.
Further consultation work was undertaken as part of the Tomorrow Together community engagement program, including an ‘Open Streets’ public event in the CBD exploring mobility and accessibility in late 2019.
Community priorities for Launceston’s CBD included wider footpaths, more greenery, flexible activity spaces, dynamic lighting and enhanced pedestrian connectivity.
In mid August, a further round of public consultation was opened, specifically exploring the section of Paterson Street between Charles and George Streets, and the section of St John Street between Paterson and York Streets.
Launceston Council is redesigning these streets with the aim of making them more vibrant, accessible and pedestrian friendly – including contemporary public infrastructure like street furniture, dynamic lighting, more greenery, and improved connectivity.
As part of the project, the Council is considering improved pedestrian crossings, changes to one-way traffic, improved lighting, and the creation of flexible activity and event spaces.
Launceston Mayor, Albert van Zetten, said these streets had been selected for the second stage of the Launceston City Heart Project because of their potential to improve connectivity and amenity between public spaces in the CBD.
“The sections of St John Street and Paterson Street that we’ve identified have huge potential as more people-focused spaces,” Mayor van Zetten said.
“They link a range of important public spaces, including Civic Square and Quadrant Mall, as well as retail and dining precincts like Charles Street, George Street and the Brisbane Street Mall. “Aside from minor improvements over time, these areas have not received significant infrastructure improvements for many years.
“There are opportunities to make these streets more modern and vibrant, to add more street trees and greenery, to create dedicated pedestrian crossings and to make changes that would allow them to be temporarily closed off for public activities and events.
“While past community engagement programs have been very helpful, this is another opportunity for the public to have input before the designs for these streets are finalised.”
The Launceston City Heart Project is an initiative under the Launceston City Deal, a partnership between the Tasmanian Government, Australian Government and the City of Launceston, that is aiming to achieve the vision of Launceston being one of the most innovative and liveable regional cities in Australia.
