The Launceston City Council has made progress on the North Bank project, with the closure of submissions in early July for expressions of interest to supply playground equipment.
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The $9.15 million project is expected to generate more than 200 jobs and create economic activity worth $35 million.
Work on the project started in November 2014 and was originally expected to be delivered in stages up until June 2017. City of Launceston general manager Robert Dobrzynski said the council received eight submissions of interest for the playground equipment.
"The council will now create a shortlist from those who made a submission and invite those on the shortlist to take part in a tender process,” he said. “We are hopeful of awarding the successful tender in coming months.”
An important part of the project is the new playground which will form a major attraction for the municipality's young people.
- Robert Dobrinski, City of Launceston general manager
Mr Dobrzynski said the North Bank area will be transformed into a major new recreational space for Launceston's residents to enjoy.
“It will feature a network of walking and cycling trails, a pedestrian bridge to the Seaport, car parking, historic interpretation, on-water facilities and a cutting-edge regional playground for children of all abilities,” he said. "An important part of the project is the new playground which will form a major attraction for the municipality's young people.”
The council is still working with building materials company Boral to find a suitable site to make way for the project. Mr Dobrinski said there is a need to respect the integrity of Boral’s commercial operations and the need to expedite arrangements to facilitate major developments like the private sector silos development.
“There is a strong commitment from both parties to complete relocation at the earliest possible time,” he said. "The council intends to commence work on the North Bank playground project before the Boral relocation is complete."