In just a few weeks the pedestrianised areas at Launceston’s Civic Square are due to be opened to the public.
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City of Launceston general manager Michael Stretton said the exact date was dependent on weather, but the change would make it much easier for people to move around the area.
He said Civic Square was both on track and on budget, with a final completion date of May for all the project components.
“The most labour intensive components of the Civic Square redevelopment are now complete, and we expect progress will accelerate significantly in the next stages of work,” Mr Stretton said.
“We expect the final large scale elements, like the catenary lighting system and hub poles to be installed in April, which will see the opening of stage 1.”
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Mr Stretton said the council was grateful for the support offered by the public and event organisers.
“The public and surrounding businesses have been very supportive and cooperative and they deserve special thanks for their understanding while a number of pedestrian detours have been in place in recent months,” he said.
“What this redevelopment will allow is a much improved civic events space, with three-phase power, feature lighting, plenty of areas to sit, shelter from the elements, and much more.”
The next major project the council will tackle as part of the wider City Heart project is the Brisbane Street Mall.
“The council's tender review committee has been assessing tender submissions for the redevelopment of the Brisbane Street Mall since applications closed last week,” Mr Stretton said.
“The committee will award the tender this week, and we expect to begin work in April, and have that project completed before the Christmas trading period.”
Mr Stretton said the council’s major project at North Bank was also progressing well.
“Bulk earthworks are already well underway, with more than 2000 metres of pipes and cables being installed, 5000 cubic metres of fill being imported to the site, and all piling work for the new pedestrian and cycling bridge having been completed,” he said.
“[We] recently advertised a call for tenders from experienced contractors for the provision of landscaping and installation of play equipment ... with more than 15,000 plants and trees set to be planted at the site in coming months.”