A new resolution for Launceston's long-running St John Street bus stop redevelopment debate could be revealed in a matter of months, as council pushes for federal election commitments to complete the second stage of their City Heart project.
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City of Launceston general manager Michael Stretton told The Examiner the issue needed resolving and council had been working for months on a project with that aim.
The fix will come as part of a wider review being conducted by council into the scope of City Heart's second stage, with a revised plan expected to be released for public consultation later this year.
Redevelopment of the St John Street bus stops has been a contentious issue since initial plans were first endorsed by council in April 2017 - drawing criticism from mayor Albert van Zetten and Treasurer Peter Gutwein.
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Nearby businesses had questioned the benefit of initial plans to move the bus stop only 20 metres closer to York Street and raised concerns about a lack of consultation.
The idea was suspended in August 2017.
Mr Stretton agreed with comments from the Launceston Chamber of Commerce that the issue needed resolving, adding council had applied for federal government funding last year for City Heart's second stage but was unsuccessful.
"We are hopeful of lobbying political parties in the lead-up to the Federal Election to secure that funding with a revised plan," he added.
Council's application for the first stage of funding was also unsuccessful before being funded as an election commitment.
A timeline of City Heart bus stop redevelopment coverage
- St John streetscape changes endorsed - April 26, 2017
- Business owners angry at council's bus stop plan - June 6, 2017
- Mayor calls for a re-design of St John Street bus stops - August 8, 2017
- Benefits of social entrepreneur outweigh cost - August 9, 2017
- Peter Gutwein slams council's bus stop project - August 12, 2017
- St John Street bus stops not yet formally discussed - September 25, 2017
- Council not ready to make plans for St John Street bus stops public - January 16, 2018
Responding to questions at the weekend, Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer Neil Grose said the chamber would like to see the bus stop issue "resolved to the satisfaction of the key stakeholders" as part of the next stage of City Heart.
"It is a complex issue but it is really holding back progress on many levels," Mr Grose said.
Stage-two works for the City Heart project are focused on streetscapes and laneways with the aim of providing traffic calming and public transport improvements.
The first stage involved major public works like upgrades to Quadrant Mall, Brisbane Street Mall and Civic Square, along with signage and an events and activation program.
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Matt Dennien
Matt Dennien is a journalist at The Examiner, based in Launceston. Contact him via email at matt.dennien@examiner.com.au, or more securely via Signal on +61 437 672 994.
Matt Dennien is a journalist at The Examiner, based in Launceston. Contact him via email at matt.dennien@examiner.com.au, or more securely via Signal on +61 437 672 994.
