North Hobart gets the modern urban park it deserves

Published on 24 February 2023

North Hobart's busy cafe and restaurant strip finally has the modern urban park it deserves with the opening of the completely new Swan Street Park.

The Swan Street Park project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Hobart City Council with the Australian Government providing funding of $551,303 through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

The LRCI Program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said this previously underutilised corner would now be a community asset.

"Six months ago contractors started work turning Swan Street Park from an unloved corner of North Hobart into a beautiful, modern park that matches the urban groove of the North Hobart retail precinct," Cr Reynolds said.

"Today Swan Street Park is fit for purpose with a design and flair that matches surrounding businesses like its neighbour Born in Brunswick and the State Cinema on the other side of Elizabeth Street.

“The North Hobart precinct is a valued contributor to the city economy, with $380m being spent by residents and visitors since 2019.”

Federal Independent Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie said this was a terrific partnership between local and national governments.

“I applaud Council on delivering on this project for the community,” Mr Wilkie said.

“Swan Street Park is in a prime location on the busy North Hobart strip and the new developments will further enhance the experience for everyone who frequents the precinct.

“There is a lack of green spaces within inner Hobart, so to see this area transform into a vibrant park that will provide a variety of benefits is a welcome sight.

“I also thank the Federal Government in seeing the value in helping fund this project as we all know how important parks are for our physical and mental health.”

Healthy Hobart Portfolio Chair Cr Louise Elliot said creating parks and green spaces is good for people, business and the environment.

"It’s wonderful to see a space like this for North Hobart where people can take a break and enjoy all that this buzzing area has to offer," Cr Elliot said.

"Local businesses, residents and visitors will benefit from the modern design of the new Swan Street Park, which has been created to encourage people stay longer and fully experience this dynamic space.

"The new park includes increased bicycle parking, a fun kids labyrinth that doubles as seating, and terraced picnic spaces for people to spend time under the shade of new street trees.

"Parks and green spaces also help foster better mental health and encourage people to socialise outdoors more, and in today’s world we need more of that."

The plans for this park redevelopment were refined after community feedback revealed people wanted a space with more seating and green spaces, as well as a small, fenced play area.

The new park incorporates:

• An amphitheatre-style urban street park design.

• Pockets of space for smaller groups to make their own.

• A special play area for kids.

• Plenty of seating.

• New street trees to increase Hobart’s urban street canopy and provide shade for visitors.