Whether or not a more permanent project goes ahead will depend on feedback from the general public, a direct survey to mall stakeholders, and ongoing consultation with mobile food vendors.

The two successful applicants will operate their vans on weekdays, Monday to Thursday, from 11am to 7pm, and on Sundays from 11am to 4pm. 

The trial will not include Fridays and Saturdays. 

Co-owner of gelato food vendor Della Valle Naturale, Dale Kunde, said he thought the call-out was a great idea. 

“I love the idea of the mall becoming a little more vibrant,” he said. 

“I think you’ve seen that with Civic Square and the Twilight Market,” he said. 

“We’re definitely interested in putting in an EOI. We don’t have a shopfront as such, [Harvest Market] is our main location, and we do Taste, Festivale, Mofo … so [the Mall] would be a more consistent thing for us,” he said. 

City of Launceston general manager Michael Stretton said the trial would offer opportunities to both businesses and residents, with take-away food providing “the perfect nexus for people to spend time in the space, eating and socialising.”

"There's definitely a belief among stakeholders that increasing and diversifying food options in a location like the Brisbane St Mall, particularly on weekends, will spur engagement and activity in the CBD," Mr Stretton said.

There are currently no food vendors in the Brisbane Street Mall. There is one coffee business, Coffee Republic, and the call for expressions of interest does not extend to coffee vendors for that reason.

Mr Stretton said mobile food operations would be selected based on criteria including quality customer service, quick and affordable food, and points of difference from other businesses in the area. 

"Everyone already knows the success of Eat Street, which has been very popular, and I would anticipate that a similar set-up — albeit much smaller — would be welcomed by the public in the Brisbane Street Mall," Mr Stretton said.

The trial has been developed in consultation with Cityprom.

If it goes well, a permanent licencing arrangement will be considered by council, similar to the one with Aroma's Coffee Van in Civic Square.

Details of the expressions of interest process will be available on the Council's website at www.launceston.tas.gov.au from Monday, January 7, with submissions closing on Friday, January 18, at 2pm.

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