Rather than add personal comments, I provide the following professional comments from various council initiated reports:

The Launceston Heritage report states:

“Launceston is one of the most intact and interesting early city-scapes in Australia.

“It contains an exceptionally fine collection of buildings and elements that give the city a strong historic character.

“It is essential for the future of Launceston, as possibly the finest heritage city in Australia, to adequately protect those values.”

The Gehl architects report also suggested the protection of the city’s heritage buildings.

“We should respect and cherish the heritage buildings that make Launceston a fine built city.”

The recently commissioned CBD building height study said the cultural values of the city was a key part.

“One object of the study was to identify and protect the cultural values of Launceston so that the heritage values and its attraction as a tourist focus for Northern Tasmania are retained, not adversely affected by development.”

The building heights study specifically listed the Hatton and Laws Corner Pharmacy as a heritage site.

My submission then is quite simply against the development application lodged by Michael Hill is:

“The existing Hatton and Laws Corner Pharmacy shop-front, with its lead-light glazing, curved glass corner window and tiled plinth must not in any way be damaged/demolished due to this development application, that is it must all remain.

“That the shopfront will continue to display the original logo is not an issue.  It can be seen throughout the city that new businesses successfully share original facade templates with a change of use.

“The glass highlights above the awnings are to remain clear glass, not obscured out.”

Jim Dickenson, Launceston.