Have a say on vibrant new look for Midtown

Published on 20 October 2020

A draft concept plan for a new-look Elizabeth Street in Hobart’s Midtown precinct is now open for feedback.

All members of the public are invited to have their say on the future of the precinct, which is proposed to take on a greener, more pedestrian and cycle friendly streetscape.

The draft concept plan focuses on a revitalisation of three blocks, stretching from Melville Street to Warwick Street, as part of the City’s Local Retail Precincts Plan.

“Elizabeth Street is a special street in Hobart, but we’d like to make it even more vibrant, even more beautiful and even more of a hub for city life,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

“There’s a lot going on in Elizabeth Street - shopping, eating, drinking, residential buildings and public transport. We need to ensure the street space is well designed so that it can work for lots of diverse uses.”

A comprehensive community engagement program took place in 2019, during which the City collaborated with traders, residents, property owners and other stakeholders to identify priorities to upgrade Elizabeth Street.

The resulting vision includes four key themes: Inclusive; Active; Greener; and Vibrant. These themes are addressed through elements such as wider, more accessible footpaths; improved cycling infrastructure and the addition of bicycle racks; additional seating and improved bus waiting areas; street trees and landscaping; more outdoor dining and designated art walls.

City Infrastructure Committee Chair Bill Harvey said it was important to get the community’s views before finalising the precinct plan.

“We’re keen to see what people think about the draft plan, particularly those who visit the area regularly,” Cr Harvey said.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has meant we are unable to set a timeframe just yet for construction, we are taking the opportunity to get the planning in place and have the project shovel-ready in the event external funding becomes available.” 

The draft concept plan can be viewed on the City of Hobart’s Your Say website. Find out more and provide feedback at yoursay.hobartcity.com.au/midtown. Feedback closes on 2 November.