A handful of new living units have been mooted for inner-city Launceston.
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The development application pitches the 18-unit complex for the building on York Street, known as York House.
The apartments would take over the upper levels of the building, with the ground floor continuing to operate as a commercial space.
Providing the development goes to plan, this could be a huge boost for the city.
The City of Launceston council has developed a long-term plan to encourage people to move into and live in the central business district.
This plan encourages developers to invest in converting upper floors to accommodation, through changes to zoning and parking requirements.
People of all ages and lifestyles are attracted to inner-city living.
Empty-nesters who are beginning to enjoy the finer things in life – live entertainment and dining out – are close to restaurants and theatres.
Professionals and CBD workers can walk to and from work, without worrying about the hassle and expense of car parking.
And the obvious inner-city resident is the young person, students, attracted to the lifestyle that city living affords. This is especially true with the University of Tasmania’s impending move to Inveresk.
As one walks through Launceston’s CBD, the potential to encourage these lifestyles and more, is in plain sight.
Brisbane, George, St John, York and streets beyond are littered with two-storey buildings. Many of these upper levels are empty, or house light amounts of storage for the commercial operations below.
The benefits are many. Our city gets a boost, an injection of new energy and economy.
The momentum shows on the face of the retailers and hospitality businesses, and the facades of the buildings.
Fresh blood rejuvenates the paintwork, the decor, and the atmosphere of our enviable historic district.
We have heard from readers, retailers and more, that there are concerns for the life of Launceston’s CBD.
Foot traffic from shoppers is down, as the satellite shopping centres become more robust. Inner-city living can offer the revitalisation that Launceston needs to enter a new era.