Major overhaul planned for Launceston's heart

The plan was released on Thursday, and will be debated at Monday’s Launceston City Council meeting.

Under the plan Civic Square would become a meeting area, with play areas for children and space for holding events.

The Quadrant would receive improved seating, event spaces, more greenery and circular motifs throughout.

Work on the Quadrant will begin in February if the plan is approved.

The master plan includes ‘‘wayfinding’’ signage for Launceston’s CBD, as well as the creation of flexible event spaces, street furniture, historic interpretation, CBD playspaces, historic interpretation and dynamic lighting.

The council will contribute $10 million to the project, which is expected to cost about $36 million across stages one and two.

Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said more detail could be expected after the council decision on Monday.

‘‘At this stage a lot of it is concept in nature, and a lot of the detail will come once council has given its official approval, which we hope will happen on Monday afternoon,’’ he said.

‘‘We know that retail is changing, we know that city centres are changing, we know that we have to have a place that people come and want to have events and want to feel that they can just have a place to be.’’

Alderman and City Heart Reference Group chairman Darren Alexander said the project would be a game changer for the city.

‘‘We’ll sit back in 20 years and look at that and see that today was probably the fundamental, most important part of the history of Launceston, because it’s really going to revitalise the city and make a huge difference to the community.’’

Alderman van Zetten said the council would apply for federal funding in the next two years.