Launceston city centre renewal program completes stage one with new cultural plaza

Launceston's city centre renewal program has completed its first stage, delivering a new civic plaza, an expanded and refurbished city library, and the restoration of four heritage buildings in the city's retail core that had been vacant for more than a decade.

The $85 million first stage, funded through a combination of the federal Launceston City Deal, state government contributions, and Launceston City Council capital works, has transformed the northern end of the city centre in ways that planning documents and renders had promised but locals needed to see to believe. The civic plaza, replacing a poorly-designed bus stop and car park at the intersection of St John and Cameron Streets, now functions as an active public space with weekly markets, outdoor dining from three adjacent restaurants that opened following the plaza's activation, and a rotating program of public art commissions.

Mayor Matthew Garwood said the first stage had demonstrated that urban renewal investment generates a multiplier effect beyond the direct physical changes. "Those four restored buildings have eight new tenancies in them. Every one of those was a decision made by a business owner who looked at the civic plaza and decided this was a city they wanted to be part of," he said.

The expanded library has seen borrowing and attendance increase by 35 per cent since reopening with new digital services, extended hours, and community spaces suited to group learning and events. The children's section has drawn particular praise, with local schools incorporating library visits into curriculum programs.

Stage two of the renewal program, covering the city's southern end and the Invermay waterfront, is in detailed design with construction expected to begin before year's end.

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