Paterson, St John streets in CBD redevelopment plan, with businesses backing bus relocation

The plans - stage two of the City Heart project - were presented to the public at a consultation session in Brisbane Street Mall on Sunday.

They include making Paterson Street two-way with single lanes between Charles and St John streets, keeping it one-way to George Street but removing a lane, and adding a "multi-use" area on St John street around Brisbane Street and Quadrant Mall.

More trees and wider footpaths are planned for Paterson Street, but the removal of car parks and at least one short-term loading zone was raised as a possible early issue for nearby businesses.

Monaghans Lucky Agency owner Kevin Wade said he was supportive of the move to relocate the bus interchange, believing it had been a major cause of empty shops along the St John Street strip.

He said the multi-use area should complement a development adding a range of eatery and retail shop fronts in nearby Tatler Parade.

"It could be a bit like the (Brisbane Street) avenue with wider footpaths and better for pedestrians," Mr Wade said.

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"Removing the buses and having it developed more to make it more shopper-friendly will be a good thing too.

"Anything to make it look nicer can only be a good thing, and give people a reason to come into town."

His side of St John Street had progressively had more empty shop fronts added over the years, which he blamed on a number of factors.

"Rent is a major part, and car parking. It would help if landlords would make the rent a bit cheaper," Mr Wade said.

"There's been a bit of anti-social behaviour that's stopped people from renting too."

Across the road, an upstairs apartment development was under way - one of a number of similar projects designed to add inner-city living. He said this would be crucial to helping businesses survive.

The multi-use area could be closed off for traffic for specific events as "flexible activity spaces" around the intersection with Brisbane Street.

Gamesworld Plus owner Shirley Clifford was also welcoming of the plans, particularly the multi-use zone. She said many CBD events were held in Civic Square, which was a considerable distance away from retail outlets and did not usually result in people shopping nearby.

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"Just think of how good this street could be with new footpaths and just making it look a lot nicer and inviting," she said.

"Moving the buses out is a great idea too.

"I think these plans look wonderful."

Closer to Paterson Street, business owners preferred to obtain more information from council before commenting publicly.

The removal of car parks along Paterson Street was raised as a potential issue, however, but some were willing to consider the idea of making more of it two-way.

Given the plans were only in an early stage, the City of Launceston was not prepared to comment on whether car parks would be offset elsewhere.

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Mayor Albert van Zetten said Paterson and St John streets were important linkages in the CBD.

"These streets link a range of important public spaces, including Civic Square and Quadrant Mall, as well as retail and dining precincts like Charles Street, George Street and the Brisbane Street Mall," he said.

"Aside from minor improvements over time, these areas have not received significant infrastructure improvements for many years.

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"As part of the project, the council is gauging community opinions on improved pedestrian crossings, changes to one-way traffic, improved lighting and the creation of flexible activity spaces."

The next consultation session will be in Civic Square from 10am to 1pm on Wednesday, Quadrant Mall from 1pm to 4pm Friday, and then further sessions the week after. The public has until September 10 to have its say.

The council plans to release final concept designs later this year.

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