The Central Hobart Plan to move into next phase

Published on 04 May 2023

The City of Hobart has concluded its extensive Central Hobart Plan consultation period after a month-long engagement process.

The City of Hobart and Tasmanian Government have been working in partnership with the community to develop a comprehensive plan to guide the future development of Central Hobart over the next 20 years.

The Central Hobart Plan received nearly 5000 visits to the project page, and more than 1500 downloads of the project document in April.

The City also undertook an advertising campaign through traditional and social media and undertook community pop up sessions in the Elizabeth Street Mall and the Farm Gate Market, held in-person and online Q&A sessions, and held meetings with the Urban Design Advisory Panel and with other various committees such as Hobart Retailers Safety and Security and Access Advisory Committee.

Community feedback was recorded at these meetings and the Your Say project page also received 205 written submissions.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the community consultation had shown strong support for the plan.

“The report reflected in the submissions, with many being complementary and supportive of the plan,” Cr Reynolds said.

“There were some submissions that provided critical feedback around issues such as transport to the city, which we are now reviewing.

“We have heard that community members want to be able to live more affordably by being closer to the jobs and recreation opportunities that Central Hobart offers.

“We have heard that the community values the character and amenity of Hobart and appreciate the plan’s focus on having built form controls that seek to strengthen these values and provide certainty for the community and developers.

“We have heard that many community members want more and better open streets, an increased recognition of the importance of the Hobart Rivulet and improved and safer pedestrian and cycle environment.”

Future Hobart Portfolio Chair Helen Burnet said now was the time to move into the next phase of the Central Hobart Plan implementation.

“All of the stakeholder and community feedback will be carefully considered to further enhance the draft plan to even better reflect the diversity of voices, ahead of its presentation to the Hobart City Council for adoption later in the year,” Cr Burnet said.

“After the adoption of the plan, the City of Hobart will start to deliver, partner and advocate for the implementation of its actions.

“Some of the more immediate actions will include; commencing planning scheme amendments to introduce the built form controls, start the masterplans and guidelines to improve Central Hobart’s streets and open spaces, refining and developing the key precinct actions and key sites, among many other actions and initiatives.”