IN an attempt to bring back shoppers and make Launceston’s central business district more pedestrian friendly, The Avenue should be closed to vehicles and motorists encouraged to park in multistorey car parks.
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This is according to Property Council of Australia state executive director Brian Wightman, who is behind the latest push to see the Launceston City Council’s revitalisation scheme, City Heart, take this on board.
Mr Wightman said closing The Avenue, at the southern end of Brisbane Street between St John and George streets, to all vehicles but the occasional delivery truck, while at the same time as offering longer, cheaper parking in multistorey car parks, would encourage shoppers to stay in the CBD for longer.
‘‘It’s very difficult for a family to achieve their shopping outcomes in an hour, we should encourage them to change their habits and take advantage of permanently reduced rates in our purpose-built council parking facilities,’’ Mr Wightman said.
This would make it an area more conducive to eateries opening later, therefore more foot traffic was in the streets and which was a deterrent to anti-social behaviour he said.
Mr Wightman also suggested the council look at offering the Willis Street parking lot for development and building a multistorey car park at the corner of Bathurst and Brisbane streets for Launceston College students and workers.
Council general manager Robert Dobrzynski said more than 3000 people took part in City Heart consultation, and that parking consolidation was not identified as a priority issue.
‘‘Instead, what is clear from the consultation we undertook is that people want to see a range of parking options, under-utilised CBD public spaces given a new lease on life, rejuvenation of ageing infrastructure, more public seating, greenery, street lighting, street art and traffic flow improvements,’’ Mr Dobrzynski said.
He said the property council did not put in a submission during this period.
Parking generated $2.4 million for the council in 2013-14 financial year.
Cityprom executive officer Vanessa Cahoon said council’s own commissioned Gehl report advocated making Launceston a more pedestrian friendly place, however she was unsure if making The Avenue car-free was the solution – yet it should be investigated.
