Salamanca Market parking problems petition

The Salamanca Market Stallholders Association (SMSA) yesterday lodged a petition with the Hobart City Council (HCC) that seeks to address the parking crisis that is hurting the Salamanca Markets and other major events in the Sullivans Cove Precinct.

The parking problems in the Sullivans Cove precinct are extensive.

The last traffic and parking study completed in Sullivans Cove was in 1994 … 21 years ago.

Over the past two decades examples of numerous new developments that have increased parking demand in the precinct include;

• New Wharf Hotel, Castray Esplanade;
• IMAS, Castray Esplanade;
• Princes Wharf No 1, Castray Esplanade;
• Brooke Street Pier – ;
• Henry Jones IXL, Hunter Street- hotel, restaurants, bars, Hunter Street;
• Macquarie Wharf No 2 – cruise terminal, Hunter Street;

The extent of this added increase is even more considerable when balanced against the removal / loss of spaces in the Cove associated with many of the above-mentioned sites but specifically:

• Princes Wharf Numbers 1 and 2;
• Kings marina – spaces removed;
• Parking along Franklin Wharf area – spaces removed;
• Re-organisation of Castray Esplanade – parking re-organised and spaces lost

In addition there are numerous other projects either planned, underway or stalled that will also significantly impact parking:

• Macquarie Wharf No 1 – hotel, retail / commercial uses, Hunter street – will increase demand for parking;
• Parliament Square – offices, cafes, commercial use, Murray/Davey & Salamanca Place – undoubtedly will increase the parking demand in the precinct as the number of office workers and other commercial activities open;
• Montpelier Retreat, Battery Point – currently stalled but offers opportunity for additional spaces;
• Macquarie Point redevelopment – temporary car park to be developed but timelines are uncertain and distance to Salamanca is significant detractor;
• Gehl Report recommendations regarding removal of parking from Salamanca Place; and,
• TMAG redevelopment over Dunn Place – removing further spaces.

Even without all of the above, Sullivans Cove and Salamanca in particular is considered to be the most visited precinct by visitors to our State. This is evident by the continued growth in bars, restaurants, cafes, cultural and community events in the precinct which would appear to be out pacing the Hobart CBD and all placing parking and traffic issues in the waterfront.

The need for a review now is urgent.

Over two decades have passed by since the last review. The new parking, line marking and traffic and parking arrangements in Castray Esplanade itself represent what is a piecemeal approach to the issue.

A plan that sets out the clear vision, identification of preferred sites (are these the same that have been listed since the Sullivans Cove Master Plan, most of which derived from the earlier review documents like the Traffic and Parking Study in 1994) and the steps to get to the long term position is now urgent and should be prioritised by funding from Council and the State Government working co-operatively.

We need a review to develop a plan for the next decade, which aims to consider the long term, and short term needs for the Cove. A plan that considers the changes that have occurred since the last review and one that considers the opportunities for improving the current shortage and under supply in the precinct.
Kasha Siena Salamanca Market Stallholders Association