If we want our city to truly thrive, it starts with people. That is, getting foot traffic into Launceston.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It can be easy to focus on the obvious challenges facing the retail sector. Yes, businesses close, but a lot also open.
However, when shop fronts sit vacant for months, even years, it is not surprising that people lose confidence in what our great city has to offer.
The City Deal has brought with it a fresh wave of thinking and, indeed, funding.
We have seen a level of transformation around getting more people into the CBD, and the next obvious step is to get more people living in the city.
This is an area that has been significantly under-utilised for far too long.
Bringing more people into the CBD will ultimately create demand and make it more atmospheric.
This will also aid and support small business.
It also just makes good sense when we consider the number of vacant spaces already in Launceston.
Significant work in this area has already been done.
In 2019, nearly 40 new residential conversions worth about $9 million were completed in the CBD and surrounds, with a similar amount expected for 2020.
Inner-city living spaces are being quickly snapped up, with investors often purchasing apartments before plans have even been built.
But there are still challenges and, while ensuring buildings are compliant is a necessary part of the process, we must also ensure the level of red tape doesn't deter future investment.
Because the amount of private investment confidence is a clear sign that, as residents, we too should be confident in Launceston's outlook. But we shouldn't just be relying on private investment.
It is also not solely a council responsibility. State and federal governments have a role to play too.
But if we are to truly drive further economic development, we must also embrace change. And again, that starts with the people.