After “extensive consultation”, the City of Launceston has updated its proposed plans for the Brisbane Street Mall design.
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A new central events and activities space, shelters, street furniture, public art and interactive displays, and redesigned seating options are just some of the changes resulting from the consultation.
Launceston acting mayor Rob Soward said one of the key findings from the engagement process was to make the area more functional, attractive and inviting for retailers and the general public.
“Obviously from a council perspective, it was imperative that we talk to as many people and businesses affected by the redesign as possible,” Ald Soward said.
The design aims to provide a flexible space that can be used year-round, after 5pm and have a clean and uncluttered shopping environment. Pedestrian-covered crossing-points will also feature at both sides of the mall.
"These will also provide additional shelter for events and activities and improved security, visibility and passive surveillance throughout the space and unrestricted views to shop fronts, as well as public art provisions throughout the site, including interactive play, and high quality street furniture," Ald Soward said.
"It will become a quality public realm with a high level of finish and detail, it will be comfortable and safe, multi-generational in that it will be an inviting space for people of all ages, somewhere people will want to visit and shop, and be identifiably Launceston.”
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Acting mayor Soward said a “great deal” of time and effort went into maintaining views and improving shop connectivity.
“The focus was also to minimise obstructions and obstacles through the space, while seating and tree placement was maximised to consider doorways of shops in the Mall,” he said.
"There was also a focus on removing the planter beds, which was deemed inappropriate use by the public."
Once completed, the redesign will feature approximately 100 flexible communal seats. Some of these seats will feature backs and arm-rests, while others will be more flexible and allow people to face in a number of directions.
The Council will consider the designs for the Brisbane Street Mall redevelopment and decide on whether to proceed to detailed design and tender at its general ordinary meeting on Monday.