Release of the joint state–local government plan for central Hobart is still several months away but in the meantime comments will be accepted from 26 October on a discussion paper which outlines the approach to the plan.
The driver behind the Central Hobart Precinct Plan process is the increased demand for residential, commercial and educational development in the city centre and the impacts that has on transport and infrastructure.
An outcome of the plan will be greater clarity about where development will be encouraged and building heights, and identification of the transport, open space and other infrastructure needed to cater to a growing permanent and visiting population.
The Central Hobart Precinct covers 64 blocks bounded by Davey Street, Brooker Highway, Burnett Street and Molle and Harrington streets.
Goals defining the planning process
The plan will be developed according to five goals – some of the actions under each goals could affect active transport demand and infrastructure.
- A world-class capital city
- Encouraging more apartments and townhouses in central Hobart can help bring more people into the city on foot and by bike.
- Developing design guidelines for inner city residential buildings should include provision of adequate street-level, secure bicycle parking and space to fix and maintain bicycles.
- Working with the university on its move into the city should mean provision of safe cycleways and bicycle parking to cater to staff, students and visitors.
- Improving tourism opportunities in central Hobart should include easier access for tourists wanting to ride between attractions that radiate out of central Hobart, such as Cascade brewery, the female factory and botanical gardens.
- Public spaces to engage and enjoy
- Removing the car as the priority for street function could help open up some streets for All Ages and Abilities cycleways as suggested in the actions to develop a street hierarchy and safe design and all access streetscape guidelines.
- Collins Street is being designated an active transport priority corridor.
- Better cycling connections between the waterfront and city centre.
- Sustainable buildings with character
- Developing standards for apartment buildings to ensure high living amenity should include bicycle parking that is secure and plentiful and a place to clean and fix bikes. Bike parking should not involve lifting bikes because of the rise of heavier e-bikes for transport riding, and should be easily accessible from the street with ramps flush to the road surface.
Central Hobart Facts
- The number of people who live in central Hobart could rise in the next 20 years from the current 3300 to 7000–10,000
- The average age of people in central Hobart is 32 years
- 44% of central Hobart residents walked or rode to work compared to 32% who drove
- 28% of residents were born overseas
- 32% of residents hold a bachelor or higher degree.
- Connected and accessible city
- Development of a Transport Network Operations Plan will identify key active transport routes and which streets will be primarily a “movement” function and which will operate more as “places”.
- Cycling routes need to be extended, enhanced and better connected to existing infrastructure.
- The priority of active transport needs to be elevated.
- Improve the safety, comfort and convenience of routes for people who want to ride.
- Expand the 40 km/h speed limit zone.
- On-street car parking is not the best use of land. Freeing this space up allows safe cycleways, wider footpaths, better public transport infrastructure and more disability and loading zones.
- Provide multi-story car parks on major arterials leading into the city and a shuttle bus and cycleways to connect people to the city centre.
- Review minimum car parking requirements in new developments – this should be accompanied by a minimum bicycle parking requirement.
- Investment-ready and innovative
- Investigate implementation of developer contributions to help the City of Hobart build the infrastructure needed to cope with more people in the city.
Have your say
You can comment on the discussion paper from 26 October at https://yoursay.hobartcity.com.au/central-hobart-precincts-plan
HAve your say