We want a piazza, not a new carpark

A NEW residents’ group has put forward an alternative vision for the future of their beloved suburb, which steers away from more parking towards greater active transport.

Hobart City Council is developing a plan for better public amenity, access and parking on and near the Elizabeth St retail and restaurant strip in North Hobart.

Traders and residents have been invited to share their views and ideas on public transport, taxi and rideshare services, food delivery services, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and on-street and off-street carparking, with a focus on the Condell Place carpark.

There had previously been informal approaches to the council seeking to submit proposals for development of the existing Condell Place car park. One of those included a multistorey car park which would provide an extra 344 car spaces and a level of retail space.

The final community forum was held last night, with a final business stakeholder meeting due to be held this morning.

The North Hobart Residents and Community Association formed this year in response to the council’s plan. Member Veronica McShane said the group shared many of the same desires as the traders’ association, but did not agree with their view the existing Condell Place carpark should be developed into a multistorey car park.

“There is enthusiasm for creating a public piazza in Condell Place with a community garden, performance spaces, picnic areas for eating take away food from local vendors, and for the possibility of markets and festivals,” she said.

“In response to climate change, transport options are envisaged with suggestions to increase public transport — including bringing back the tram — encouraging cycling and ebikes and other forms of shared transport.”