Pocket park adds green space

Published on 28 February 2020

A 'pocket park' will provide open space in the centre of the New Town retail precinct.

Having been endorsed by Council earlier this week, the small park will be created on land that is owned by the Salvation Army, which has provided its support to the project.

An existing garden, wall and a gate will be removed and replaced with new landscaping, grass, tables and benches and other seating. Four of the existing trees will be retained to provide shade.

“The seating will be in the form of sculptures designed by a Tasmanian artist,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

“This in an opportunity to create a public space that breaks up the commercial streetscape and which contains functional art.

“It complements the other features of the New Town Retail Precinct Upgrade.”

The upgrade project has already involved various improvements to the streetscape and intersections along New Town Road, including upgraded footpaths, garden beds, seating, bicycle racks and accessible pedestrian crossings.

Still to come are further pedestrian improvements including raised pedestrian thresholds and pedestrian refuge islands, plus the creation of a dynamic public space capable of hosting community events at the intersection of Cross and Valentine streets.

The art project Hybrids comprises several functional sculptures – including the seating to be installed in the pocket park.

The sculptures are designed to be engaging, enduring and contemporary, reflecting the identity of the area and appealing to people of all ages.

Artist Matt Drysdale said working on the project took him back to his school years, when he spent much of his time in New Town, often shopping with his mother at the Salvation Army op shop adjoining the park site.

“Allowing my childhood memories to influence and guide my professional experience meant that I was drawn back to my memories of the area,” he said. “It inspired and influenced my imagination as I approached this project as if I were to experience the art as a youth, as an elderly resident, as a visitor or as a passer-by.”

More information on the New Town Retail Precinct upgrade can be found at hobartcity.com.au/newtown.