As part of Council’s commitment to ‘building and maintaining a livable City’, local artist Robyn McKinnon and her team of four assistants have, over the past five months, painstakingly painted 1,900 pavers that will soon become the showpiece of the City’s popular Brisbane Mall.
The result is a colourful, interactive art piece in the form of a tourist’s guide map to Launceston. Appealing to both locals and tourists, it will also become a play area for children. The map is on a scale that enables children to walk the streets and pick out features.
From the reactions of people of all ages who have viewed the development of this unique example of public art, Council is confident not only children will be intrigued by the detail and beauty of the pavement mural. Special paint used has been absorbed by the pavers and sealers will preserve the final product for generations to come to enjoy.
Built in 1972, Launceston’s Mall was the first in Australia. Once in place, the tourist map will bring renewed life and colour to the area, attracting visitors and locals to this important community focal point. Robyn McKinnon believes the design is very much aesthetically suited to the City and the people who live in Launceston.
“There is community ownership with people captivated by the interesting design,” said Peter Pennick, Manager Urban Design. “We believe it is the first time a project of this scale has been undertaken in Australia.”
