Treasurer Peter Gutwein’s announcement on Saturday of a $20 million interest-free loan to the City of Launceston is another indicator the city is moving forward.
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The money will go towards a St John Street redevelopment, upgrades to the Cataract Gorge, Brisbane Street Mall regeneration works and a car park at the CH Smith site, fast-tracking estimated completion dates.
As state tourism numbers skyrocket, ensuring the North is keeping up and has the infrastructure to both attract and handle tourists, visitors and locals is crucial, and this announcement shows it is on the agenda.
It is an exciting time for Launceston, and the entire northern region, as the stimulus of improved tourism flow to the state, new events, and investor interest is harnessed to improve the area’s economy and infrastructure.
This announcement comes on the back of a host of other developments and can assure Launceston residents the city is progressing and will be able to compete with the best.
Last year saw a host of development announcements, with developer Errol Stewart and architect Scott Curran unveiling designs for a revitalised CH Smith redevelopment; plans announced for a redevelopment of the TRC site including car parking, a hotel and conference facilities; and continuing work on the Silo Hotel development.
As City of Launceston deputy mayor Rob Soward pointed out, the accelerated projects are in addition to the council’s existing 2016-17 $20 million capital works program.
“[This includes] the $9 million North Bank redevelopment, the major redevelopment of Civic Square, the redevelopment and repurposing of Macquarie House, the second-stage upgrade of the Seaport Boardwalk, and the $260 million University of Tasmania relocation,” he said.
There is a growing momentum in the north, and these developments and improvements are overdue. The optimistic future they capture is welcome.
The interest and investment from a range of sectors and people is just what Launceston needs to revitalise and continue to grow in tourism, the economy, business and industry.
With such backing and optimism, the future looks bright for Launceston and the North. Let’s hope continued commitment and interest keeps the momentum up, as the region sets itself apart as a place for tourism, business and investment.