Over the last few years, the City has been consulting with local communities on how we can improve mobility within their neighbourhood. This led to the adoption of the Hobart Local Area Mobility Plan: Battery Point Local Area in November 2023, which identified creating a more attractive walking environment to Montpelier Retreat as a Priority Project. This aligns with the City’s recognition that the quality of the urban form of Montpelier Retreat does not match that of Salamanca and Battery Point, despite it being a key link between the two.

At the same time, the City has approved several large commercial and residential developments within Montpelier Retreat, which, although currently unimplemented, point to the area’s significant development potential.

The plan, therefore, is to create a set of coherent street improvements that not only respond to the desires of residents and local businesses but also, by creating an attractive, activated, and culturally rich streetscape environment matching that of Salamanca and Battery Point, help guide and encourage future development.

No - these are not final designs, but rather a draft concept plan.

The plan has been developed through internal City discussions and design workshops and is intended as a starting point for meaningful discussion with local landowners, businesses and residents.

Feedback at this stage is critical. It will help the City better understand how the street is used, as well as local priorities and aspirations. This input will directly inform the next stage of design development.

Yes - there will be several opportunities for input.

Following this initial engagement, the City will review feedback and refine the proposal. These updated concepts will then be presented to Elected Members before being released for broader community consultation and further refinement.

The final plan would then be submitted to Council, at which point the community and key stakeholders will again have the opportunity to provide ongoing input.

The draft plans propose a reduction from 35 to 19 on-street parking spaces to allow for wider footpaths, greening and improved public space:

Importantly, nearby off-street parking - including Salamanca Square Car Park and Montpelier Car Park - would have no reduction in available parking.

Previous independent traffic studies have identified spare capacity within the local traffic network, suggesting it can accommodate potential modifications. Extensive traffic modelling is underway to ensure that traffic flows remain efficient and balanced. We’ll be sharing findings with the community as we move forward.

Maintaining access for servicing is a key consideration. The design ensures that Montpelier Retreat remains accessible for service, delivery and emergency vehicles. Existing loading zones will be retained, and the City will work with local businesses to improve how these spaces function — including better management of short-term loading and unloading.

The intent is to support, not limit, future development.

The proposed upgrades aim to create a more active and attractive street environment, enhancing commercial opportunities and increasing pedestrian activity.

Access to all properties will be maintained, and the works are not intended to restrict redevelopment potential or future construction. Rather, they will provide a clear, coordinated framework to guide the future evolution of the street and the way new development interfaces with the public realm.

At this stage, there is no confirmed construction timeline.

All projects require funding through the City’s Capital Works Program, which is prioritised annually based on a range of factors, including strategic importance and available budget.

Montpelier Retreat has been identified as priority project, and this will be reflected in future funding considerations. However, timing will depend on budget allocation and coordination with other infrastructure works.