Hobart's local retail precincts plan

The Precincts

The precincts are local main streets that play an important role in their neighbourhoods. They were chosen because they have a strong community focus, a history as busy local centres, and potential to be revitalised. Many have had limited public investment in recent years, making them good candidates for short‑term improvements and community‑led ideas tested through pop‑up activities.

In Lenah Valley, the project is focused on revitalising a short section of local shopping on Augusta Road. While the area already supports everyday services and popular cafes, it is currently dominated by vehicle movement. The project explores ways to improve the street for people — making it safer, more welcoming and vibrant through better pedestrian crossings, wider footpaths, trees and space for outdoor dining — building on its strong community role and main street potential.

The New Town Retail Precinct focuses on improving the function and feel of this busy local street, which currently carries through‑traffic that limits its role as a traditional main street. The project explores opportunities to improve amenity, support local businesses and encourage people to spend more time in the area by creating a safer, more walkable and people‑focused street, while recognising its architectural character and village potential.

Precincts locations

Key objectives of the project

Stages of improvement

Lenah Valley

Proposed improvements developed in 2017 and finalised in 2018 included:

  • footpath widening on the southern side allowing for more comfortable pedestrian movement and opportunities for outdoor dining.
  • New paving and kerbs, street trees, seating, signage, lighting and public art will breathe new life into this local main street.
  • It will be easier to cross the road with two upgraded median island crossing points and level pedestrian crossing treatments across Greenway Avenue and Courtney Street.
  • A new accessible parking space near the chemist and a 2.4m wide clear path of travel against the building line will provide better access for people with disabilities.
  • An uphill bike lane and bike parking will be included in the upgrade in response to growing numbers of people riding bikes in the area and to encourage active transport.

New Town

Stage one of the New Town retail precinct upgrade was completed in early 2020 and included:

  • Renewal of all kerbs and gutters between Sunnyside Road and the Salvation Army Complex on New Town Road.
  • Pedestrian crossings at Pedder Street and Pirie Street intersections were significantly improved with step-free crossings.
  • Footpaths in the retail node were upgraded with new pavers.
  • Garden beds, a tree and sculptural seat were installed at the intersection of New Town Road and Pirie Street.
  • Benches and bike racks were installed along New Town Road.

Stage two of the new Town Precinct upgrade included:

  • a New Town community hub at the junction of Cross and Valentine streets with a flexible space that improves pedestrian safety and can also be used for temporary events, markets and other community activities
  • a high quality public bus shelter and landscaping adjacent to the new 'community hub' on New Town Road, delivering improved accessibility, weather protection and safety for bus passengers
  • upgraded infrastructure to help people move throughout New Town, with a focus on pedestrian safety, access and amenity
  • road surface renewal of parts of New Town Road
  • additional plantings
  • upgraded mobility and public transport infrastructure
  • infrastructure to future proof digital connectivity
  • three new public artworks by artist Matt Drysdale that reflect the area's identity
  • two new pedestrian crossings on New Town Road, one at the Dispatch Café, and the other between the Greenstore Café and the Salvation Army complex
  • a landscaped community 'pocket park' offering green space and seating on New Town Road in front of the Salvation Army complex
  • Define and reinvigorate New Town's heart at the junction of Cross and Valentine streets with a flexible space for events, markets and other community activities.
  • Provide new raised, level pedestrian crossings at the side street intersections of Roope, Pirie and Pedder streets, where they meet New Town Road.
  • Install a bus shelter.
  • Provide public art and a green space 'pocket park'.
  • Create new pedestrian crossing facilities on New Town Road (near the Salvos, near Cross Street and near Roope Street).
  • Create new dining and sitting areas.
  • Add greening and amenity with new trees, plants and street furniture.
  • Upgrade footpaths.

City of Hobart has commissioned an artist to create an engaging and enduring public artwork that reflects the identity of the area, appeals to community members of all ages and remains contemporary and relevant for the long term.

Matt Drysdale, a Tasmanian-born artist from the Office for Collective Design (the OCD), has been chosen through a nationwide selection process for his concept Hybrids. The concept offers a series of sculptural landmarks that offer other functions, including seating, planting and places for posting community notices. Matt developed the Hybrids as a result of analysing of the streetscape and gaining an understanding of the community desire for a bold work that defined the New Town retail strip.

The sculptures are completed and one has been installed (near the Pirie Street intersection). Two other sculptural elements will be delivered to complete the installation – one in the Salvos pocket park and one near Cross Street.

For more information, visit the New Town Public Art project page.