Many blame parking costs, high city rents, or the fact that bricks and mortar retailers have been in steep decline for decades thanks to the internet and convenience of online shopping.

National retails chains have left or are about to wave goodbye to the CBD - leaving behind a derelict feel to the city's heart.

Launceston isn't the only city grappling with this, and the pandemic hasn't helped.

It is simple to get swept up into a negative mindset change when such significant change happens, but with change comes endless possibilities for revival.

Cities don't need to be places where people go to just shop. Great modern cities are places where people shop, live, eat and interact. The city is the heartlands of culture.

A vibrant city offers experiences you can't get anywhere else. What is this X factor? Think about the pull of New York or the culture of Paris. These cities are not just for tourists. People move there for a lifestyle you can't get anywhere else.

Closer to home and cities like Newcastle, Woolongong and Ballarat have all worked hard to offer an attractive lifestyle.

The Launceston City Heart Project has started that formation, but planning for Launceston's CBD future needs to be more than just renovating streetscapes.

It needs to be a collaborative effort between government, business, cultural groups and draw on key aspects of what Northern Tasmania has to offer.

The University of Tasmania's move to Inveresk will help liven the place up and draw in new traffic, as will the proposed Creative Precinct hub for Paterson Street if, and when, the project gets off the ground.

We need more than retail. A vibrant space will attract people, whether it be for entertainment, food and drink or shopping.

Our CBD is the difference between us being a good city to achieving our goal of being one of the greatest regional city in Australia.

We have innovation and built history in our favour. Now is the time to not just dream, but act.

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