Representatives from both the Launceston Chamber of Commerce and Cityprom spoke in favour of the designs.

“Cityprom undertook consultation with its members, with a particular focus on the mall traders and surrounding street businesses, and submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations for alterations from the original concept designs,” executive officer Steve Henty said.

“Whilst not all recommendations could be adopted a great deal where, resulting in what we feel is a good comprise between design, flexible use of space, amenities, public art exponential and costs

“A majority of the mall traders that we have able to consult with were happy with the outcome.”

Deputy Mayor Rob Soward moved the recommendation which will allow council officers to begin detailed designs and seek tenders.

He asked Cityprom and the chamber to encourage its members to speak publicly in support of the proposal, because the council had been forced to weather negativity on social media.

“As time goes on and the nature of things might change it will be easier for the council in the future to make amendments and change and alternations as need be without starting from scratch,” he said.

Ald Soward said the council wanted a city that was vibrant and welcomes people and the council should be proud of the design. 

“I would really love for the Launceston community to get behind [the project].”

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