The activation event will take place on Friday, September 28, with entertainment from 11am provided by The Fergusons, Fiddle STIX, and Club Sandwich, and the St Joes Big Band from 5pm to 7pm.

A free barbecue will be provided by the Rotary Club of Launceston between 12pm and 2pm and 4.30pm to 7pm, with retailers open until 7pm.

Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said feedback from traders had been positive.

“As a council, we are delighted with this new public space,” he said. “This project, coupled with the recently refurbished Civic Square, adds a certain class and improved ambiance to the city.”

There are still some elements of the public art installation to be completed, including planter beds and additional signage. All that work is expected to be finalised with the installation of the Christmas tree in November.

Construction of the mall was overseen by the Baker Group, and involved Thylacine-themed art installations including 10 bronze sculptures, 100 seats, 300 square metres of roof canopy, LED lighting, upgraded storm water infrastructure, and 55,000 new pavement tiles.  

Alderman van Zetten said it was good to see people using the mall, which has been under construction since April.

“We have noted the high level of engagement by pedestrians through the mall and the new street furniture, with people also stopping to take photographs of the new Thylacine statues,” he said.