For Luke Dawson, the owner of Venue Clothing in Kingsway, an overhaul of parking options is just one element of addressing store vacancy rates and foot traffic numbers, though it was something the City of Launceston council should form a strategy on.

The comments come after Collins bookstore announced its closure last week, along with the scrapping of a council food van trial in Brisbane Street Mall which received only one expression of interest - later withdrawn.

"I know customers definitely say parking in the CBD is an inconvenience," Mr Dawson, told The Examiner on Monday.

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“I would imagine parking in Launceston compared to Melbourne is pretty cheap. But it’s what you’re prepared to pay.”

City of Launceston general manager Michael Stretton said a report into the viability of a "first 90-minute free" model in their multi-storey car parks was expected to go before council in April.

As part of that work, council is also working with the University of Tasmania to examine retailing in the city and identify the best strategic steps to ensure a "vibrant" environment.

A prominent voice behind recent efforts to crack down on shop stealing and reduce anti-social behaviour in the city, Mr Dawson thought parking wasn't the only issue facing business owners.

“Historically the [rents] are quite high, and it makes it very hard to do business in Launceston," he said.

Mr Dawson added that with the recent completion of the Brisbane Street Mall, there could also be more communication of what to expect from the second stage of the Launceston City Heart project.

In a poll conducted by The Examiner at the weekend, 36 per cent of respondents thought lower rents needed to be offered to help revitalise the CBD, with free parking a close second.

Children's play equipment, mobile food vans and entertainment also rated highly.

On Monday, Launceston Chamber of Commerce chief executive Neil Grose said rent prices were a "double edged sword" for both retailers and property owners.

"Retailers of course need the lowest rent, but property owners also need a rate of return to justify their investment in the property," Mr Grose said.

"Council also rely on the rating revenue from commercial property, which is calculated on property value, which is in turn determined by the rental return."

At the weekend, Mr Grose said Launceston should also be looking to cities like Melbourne for ideas of how to activate CBD areas.

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