The first stage of Launceston City Council’s redevelopment works at the North Bank site have begun with the commencement of foreshore remediation works to rehabilitate the degraded river edge.
The North Bank redevelopment promises to create a new precinct on the northern edge of Launceston, offering residents new leisure and recreation opportunities.
The redevelopment also promises to create a seamless pedestrian and cycling trail.
The North Bank project has received commitments of more than $6 milion in funding from the Federal Government and $1.4 million from the State Government, and is being undertaken at the same time as Errol Stewart’s private redevelopment of the silos.
The North Bank precinct will include a major new playground facility, upgrades to pontoon and on–water access infrastructure, pedestrian pathways, car parking and other associated improvements like barbecue and picnic facilities.
Work has also begun this week on removing invasive species like willows and blackberries, which have dominated the riverbank for decades.
They will be replaced by native species appropriate to the local area.
The work is being undertaken jointly between the Council and developer Errol Stewart.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the North Bank project had a construction timeline of three years.
“This is a strategic project that can uplift both the city and Northern Tasmania, and will enable Launceston to engage with its waterfront more effectively.
“It’s great to see the removal of the invasive species that have colonised the bank for so long, and I think it will be exciting as we begin to replace those old blackberries and weeds with more suitable native plant species.
“Within a few short years, North Bank is going to look very different, and be a real attraction for our city.”
