Central Launceston is more than a collection of streets with buildings, it is a diverse ecosystem where people live, work, learn, invest, engage in and experience. Constantly changing, growing and adapting, Central Launceston is transforming whether we are ready or not.
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Right now, we have plenty to be excited and optimistic about. Investment and construction is strong, boosted by the development of the three large pedestrian spaces under the City of Launceston council’s City Heart Project, with the street upgrade phases yet to come and strong private development happening all around the city-centre. The retail vacancy rate is comfortably below the national average and has been steadily declining since 2013, with strong interest in many of the available spaces. National retailers are showing confidence in Launceston with over 100 national retail and hospitality outlets throughout the inner-city. We are one of the most technologically connected cities in the world, the envy of some of the most tech-savvy places around the globe.
With the continued change to the city brought about by evolving patterns of use, driven by technology, education and demographics, comes the need to approach development and engagement in the city in contemporary ways. Encouraging inner-city living, developing precincts, connecting people to the different areas of the city and creating great public amenity needs to become a core focus, as well as supporting great events and activities that bring vibrancy and atmosphere to Central Launceston.
Too often we slip into highlighting the minor negatives, when, in reality, we have much to be buoyed and enthusiastic about.
The common rhetoric of a disproportionately high number of retail vacancies is misleading, perpetuated somewhat by some obvious empty shopfronts that are soon to be leased. If we take Brisbane Street as an example, of about 140 ground level retail stores, only five are available for lease. Not to mention the number of streets that are now fully tenanted, with the Kingsway being the most recent, a great example of a contemporary ‘lifestyle’ precinct. The old Birchalls site has garnered a high level of interest. This is one of the largest retail spaces made available in recent history, smack-bang in the centre of the city. With considerations and allowances being made for the Mall construction period, confidence is high that this site should be leased by Christmas.
Should we even aim to have zero vacancy in the city? The short answer is no. With a number of contemporary retail offerings interested in finding a home in Launceston, we need space for these businesses to open, and space for existing successful businesses to grow. St John Street is also the centre of much discussion. Critical to the success of this area will be a resolution to the street upgrade project, including the bus-stops. In the short-term, a number of the vacancies around Tatler Arcade will be filled soon, and Cityprom is in the planning phase of its second pilot pedestrianisation project for this area, looking at modern ways to improve this space.
Parking will forever be a topic of conversation. There are up to 750 free-of-charge parking spaces in the centre of the city every day from 3.30-5.30pm in the council’s multi-storey carparks. Rather than perpetuate the same old myths, it’s time to lift our heads and look towards the future. We have a strong foundation on which to build, we should embrace our potential, and that is being truly one of the great regional cities.
- Steve Henty is the Cityprom executive officer.
