Hobart CBD needs revitalisation

CASSY O’CONNOR, Greens MP, www.tas.greens.org.au

The Tasmanian Greens today called reiterated their call for a unified and focussed approach towards revitalising Hobart’s Central Business District (CBD) following complaints from CBD traders who are reporting a 40 – 60 percent drop-off in trade since the destruction of the Myer store nearly two years ago.

Greens Member for Denison, Cassy O’Connor MP, said increasing traffic congestion in Hobart and a lack of parking space has exacerbated the problems caused by the loss of the Myer store, and called for any CBD revitalisation to make the city more people-friendly and to include an upgrade of public transport options to allow more people to travel into and out of the CBD on any given day.

Ms O’Connor also said that unless Planning Schemes adapt to more contemporary urban-living values, it will become increasingly difficult to attract more people into the city heart, and CBD trade will be affected.

“The Hobart City Council is currently reworking its Planning Scheme, and I am sure the traders and residents of the CBD will be hoping that it reflects the changing needs of Hobart as a dynamic, modern city,” said Ms O’Connor.

“The increasing traffic congestion, and lack of comfortable public spaces, seating and shade makes Hobart’s CBD less attractive to people – the CBD desperately requires a major people-focussed upgrade, and better public transport options to ensure a continued flow of people into the city.”

“I welcome the news that the Myer site is on the market, and hope for a speedy resolution to the sale process.”

“We want to see a unified approach to any revitalisation, with more people encouraged to live in and close to the city, fewer cars, wider footpaths, more greenery and sustainable public transport and building designs. Cities are, after all, about people.”

“To make sure that Hobart’s CBD evolves into a vibrant, dynamic place where people want to be, our planners must take a more proactive approach,” said Ms O’Connor.