The council, acting as a planning authority, unanimously supported the development application for the next stage of the City Heart Project.

Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said it was an important step, following the success of works at the Quadrant Mall and Dicky Whites Lane.

“It’s an exciting stage for us as a council that we can now start the development of Civic Square, obviously the work will now be to get tenders and hopefully towards the end of March or early April we can start construction.”

The overhaul of the area will include an area for a screen and allow improved access for special events.

“I think Civic Square is going to be a major infrastructure to help bring people into the city,” Ald van Zetten said.

“It’s going to have a play area which will be exciting for kids when they come to the library, it’s going to have a meeting place with tables and chairs, and a more welcoming environment.”

The concept design also includes new landscaping, pavement, seating and shelter at the eastern end of the square and small-scale improvements to the laneway between the LINC and St Andrews church.

While a stage and grass terrace landscaped seating will be built at the new flexible central event area.

Ald van Zetten said extensive community consultation had been undertaken by the council to make sure the project had complete support.

One issue of concern for locals was the removal of a fountain, which attracted a community petition, but the mayor said a resolution had been found. The multicultural fountain will be relocated to Home Point.

“[The petitioners] have written letters to say they are very happy with that which is exciting for us as well because we didn't want to upset anyone in the process,” Ald van Zetten said.

A number of issues about the public area were raised during the initial public consultation in 2014, including the under-utilisation of the square, limited infrastructure for events, uninviting seating and lack weather-protected spaces.

RELATED STORIES: