On December 10, 1895, the City of Launceston’s Duck Reach power station came online; making Launceston the first city in the southern hemisphere to be lit by hydroelectricity.
One hundred and twenty years later, the Council is releasing another visionary project — its proposed Launceston City Heart Project (LCHP) Master Plan.
The unveiling of the proposed plan, the ‘LCHP Master Plan: Stage One Public Realm – Major Public Spaces’ follows an award-winning consultation program that has engaged more than 6000 Northern Tasmanians.
The master plan includes proposals for new wayfinding signage around Launceston’s Central Business District (CBD) as well as major overhauls of Civic Square, the Brisbane Street Mall and the Quadrant Mall.
Dynamic lighting, flexible event spaces, street furniture, greenery, shelter, historic interpretation, public art, CBD playspaces and many other elements are included in the plan.
The master plan also includes proposals for future activation and events in the CBD.
In total, $36 million worth of projects has been earmarked for the Launceston City Heart Project, with the Council setting aside $10 million for the project.
The first major public space overhaul will begin in February with the redevelopment of the Quadrant Mall.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said it was exciting to see the concept designs for Launceston’s public realm.
“Make no mistake, we are looking at a fundamental revitalisation of the CBD.
“The proposed first stage of the master plan aims to make Launceston’s CBD a unique and interesting place to visit and enjoy, both socially and in terms of its dining and retail experiences.
Mayor van Zetten said that Council was seeking support from the state and federal governments for the project believing that an inner city campus of the University of Tasmania (UTAS) would be a ‘major demand driver’.
“Launceston has a proud tradition of entrepreneurial and creative thinking and we have produced products and innovations that have changed the world; this proposal has the potential to shape our city in ways we’ve never thought possible.”
Launceston City Heart Project Reference Group chairman Darren Alexander said the project had been informed by a group of passionate and dedicated people.
“The Reference Group, which is made up of local experts in a range of fields, has been fantastic to work with and I have very much appreciated their views on how we can make Launceston a better place.”
“It’s been said that this is an exciting time to be living in Australia — I think it’s particularly an exciting time to be living in Launceston.
“This is a plan by Northern Tasmanians for Northern Tasmanians, and I think in future decades people will look back and say, ‘This is the time when Launceston transformed’.
