The City of Hobart has launched the $1.5m second stage of the New Town Retail Precinct Upgrade after a nearly three-year delay caused by the impacts of Covid.
In 2020, the city completed stage one of the upgrade with new pedestrian crossings, garden beds, benches and bike racks installed along New Town Road.
“Hobart has not been immune to the slow-down in large-scale construction projects caused by the impacts of Covid-19 but thanks to significant funding from the Australian Government, with additional support through the Tasmanian Government, we can now start stage two of our exciting New Town precinct upgrade,” Lord Mayor Cr Anna Reynolds said.
“The second stage . . . will see local public transport improved with a new, high-quality public bus shelter and a pocket park with green space and seating in front of the Salvation Army complex.
“Two more pedestrian crossings will be added to New Town Road, making the precinct safer for everyone.
“The project will also create a space that opens up new possibilities for local communities and businesses through pop-up events, markets and other activities.”
Hobart’s City Mobility Portfolio chairman Ryan Posselt said these would be welcome additions.
“A high-quality, disability compliant bus shelter and two more pedestrian crossings help to promote alternatives to jumping in the car and adding more traffic to our roads,” Cr Posselt said.
“Anything that increases public transport uptake and improves walkability in Hobart can only be a benefit to the city.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Senator for Tasmania Carol Brown said the upgrade was part of a much bigger picture.
“We’re investing in infrastructure projects across the nation, including in the New Town Precinct of Hobart, ensuring the needs of our communities are funded and delivered,” Senator Brown said.
“I welcome these works which will not only beautify and update the New Town Precinct but will provide safer passenger and pedestrian travel access, along with amenities that integrate with public transport.”
State Minister for Small Business, Madeleine Ogilvie, said local projects like the New Town upgrade were important in making busy areas safer for pedestrians.
“Making these areas more people-friendly will mean more people come and spend time and money in these areas,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“Our Vulnerable Road User Program is working to ensure that when upgrades are being planned that public safety remains at front of mind and is encapsulated in the designs right from the start.
“Works that are reasonably simple in concept, such as installing pedestrian refuges to make crossing streets safer, can make a real difference to the safety of our streetscapes and help give our shopping precincts a new life.”
The City of Hobart and Tasmanian construction firm MSD Civil Services will work closely with local businesses and residents to limit any potential impacts on trade and the day-to-day lives of locals during the construction phase.
The city is also coordinating a range of business support and information services through its newly established City Economy Unit, which will help promote and support New Town businesses during the project through the Hello Hobart website.
The website is designed to connect people with local businesses, such as cafes, restaurants, services and shops.
The city will also work with the local community to stage a celebration of the precinct once work on the Roope Street intersection is completed in late spring, early summer this year.
Stage two of the project has been made possible through the support of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which will fund the majority of the upgrade works.
Additional support has been provided through the Vulnerable Road User Program, co-funded by the Australian Government and Tasmanian Government under the federal $3b Road Safety Program.
