Revamped Civic Square officially opened
Published on 09 August 2018
Civic Square's newly-completed revamp under the Launceston City Deal has been officially opened.
The Civic Square redevelopment is part of the $19.1m Launceston City Heart Project, which falls under the Launceston City Deal. The project involves the redevelopment of public spaces including the Quadrant Mall, Brisbane St Mall and Civic Square, the introduction of wayfinding signage and other CBD improvements.
Civic Square is the largest open public space in the CBD at 4500 square metres. The Launceston City Heart Project's award-winning public consultation process undertaken by the Council in 2014 revealed the square to be our most talked about public space.
The redevelopment is the most significant upgrade Civic Square has seen since it was first declared "a place for people" in 1982.
It's been redeveloped into three linked spaces, comprising an events space with associated infrastructure like three-phase power, a family play area, and a dining and social gathering space.
The redevelopment works included the installation of 15 new stormwater pits, 21 dynamic lighting poles, two catenary lighting systems, 176m of LED strip lights and 10 umbrellas, and much more.
The pavers around the play space display a pattern of Launceston's early streetscape, while heritage interpretation is also carved into some of the paving stones.
The play space outside the library also features a fountain with interactive buttons, carvings of Northern Tasmanian fauna and x-ray play features, which are a nod to Launceston's pioneering medical innovations, notably the work of Dr William Russ Pugh and his use of anaesthetic.
In Launceston to officially open the redevelopment this morning, Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the redevelopment was a great example of how the Turnbull Government’s City Deal agenda could bring together all three levels of government to achieve significant outcomes for our cities.
“Through the City Deal, we are partnering with the Tasmanian Government, the City of Launceston, and others to invest in a strong and prosperous economic future for Launceston, securing its place as a vibrant, liveable and innovative city,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The Turnbull Government is committing $195 million under the City Deal to support projects that will ensure Launceston experiences better education and job opportunities - this City Deal is transforming the heart of Launceston, attracting more tourists and residents and encouraging new businesses to set-up shop.”
Tasmanian Treasurer Peter Gutwein said the new-look Civic Square demonstrated the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to making Launceston a vibrant place to live and work.
“Launceston is booming, and the Hodgman Liberal Government is investing over $112 million on projects under the City Deal that will make the State’s north an even better place to live, work and raise a family,” Mr Gutwein said.
“The Launceston City Heart project will redevelop the Brisbane Street Mall, improve public transport and expand the public Wi-Fi network, which is a great result for the people of Launceston.
“We expect that 52 jobs will be created during construction and that 317 ongoing jobs will be generated overall.”
Liberal Senator for Tasmania David Bushby said the Australian Government had committed $7.5 million towards the project.
“The Launceston City Heart project funding also includes funding for new wayfinding infrastructure for pedestrian and cyclists,” Senator Bushby said.
“This will breathe new life into our historic centre because it will make it so much more amenable to Tasmanians and visitors alike.”
City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the project would make central Launceston the premiere business, retail and lifestyle hub of Northern Tasmania.
“The project will cement the city’s reputation as the most liveable regional centre, and position the CBD as a competitive and attractive space for retail and visitor experiences,” Mayor van Zetten said.
“We've committed $6.1 million towards the Launceston City Heart project and all components are expected to be completed by October 2019.”
The Launceston City Deal was signed in April, 2017.