Northern Gateway project to welcome Launceston visitors

Published on 15 November 2024

The City of Launceston and Department of State Growth are working together to deliver a new public art work on the Midland Highway's entrance to Launceston, dubbed the Northern Gateway project.

As part of the Tasmanian Government's Infrastructure for the 21st Century roads package, funding has been provided to deliver gateway projects in Burnie, Hobart and Launceston.

This weekend a tender will be advertised seeking a contractor to manage the Northern Gateway project, which includes delivering of an Expressions of Interest process for local artists to pitch an artwork for the project.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said it was hoped the artwork's design and construction would get underway in 2025, with installation proposed for early 2026.

"This is a really cool initiative from the State Government and something that I'm passionate about," Mayor Garwood said.

"Continuing to hone in on and express Launceston's identity through art and installations.

"The goal of the Northern Gateway project is to deliver a significant public art piece along one of Launceston's most important road corridors, which for many visitors is the main entrance to our city.

"We're going to have a really interesting journey ahead as we explore what our City looks like to artists in built form and I know that we're going to see some creative Tasmanian artists stepping forward to be part of the process.

"Public art can inspire us, challenge us, start conversations, and get us thinking in new ways. "I'm looking forward to watching this project evolve in the months ahead."