New Town’s revamp
BIKE lanes, kerbside seating, pedestrian crossings and more trees and flower beds are features of a $2 million council upgrade of the New Town shopping precinct.
Now residents can have their say.
The council has invited local residents and business owners to view a pop-up exhibition of the New Town draft streetscape concept plans.
The upgrades are designed to revitalise New Town Rd and provide improved pedestrian access in the area from Seymour St through to Risdon Rd.
The proposal includes new seats, trees and a bike lane as well as increased kerb areas and garden beds, and pedestrian crossing areas.
The project is budgeted to cost $2 million over two years, with work due to start in 2019.
The plan includes the potential for community artwork and revamped bus shelters.
The council has involved New Town residents through direct mailouts to 2500 households, a community survey and a workshop.
A team of 23 New Town community members has worked with the city to decide the highest priorities for the project.
Members presented their recommendations to aldermen late last year.
Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said the collaboration was a great example of local people working with the council to develop projects that benefit the community.
“The proposed improvements will provide better pedestrian crossings and footpaths, seating, trees, public art, and a fresh new look and feel in the shopping area,” she said.
New Town Community Association president Sandra Halliwell said residents and businesses were excited by the proposed upgrade.
“The project action team, in particular, has been a meaningful way to involve local people in the design of their neighbourhood,” she said.
“NTCA encourages the community to come along to view these plans over the exhibition period and provide comments.”
The plans will be displayed today and tomorrow at a vacant store on the corner of New Town Rd and Roope St, New Town.
The pop-up exhibition opened yesterday and continues today from 10am-7pm and 10am-4pm tomorrow.