State of CBD
The redevelopment of both the Brisbane Street Mall and Civic Square, which was funded through the City Deal, has highlighted the meaningless form of consultation that has occurred in this city over recent years.
I requested that a forensic audit be undertaken and the Launceston City Council has indicated that a review process of Major Projects Delivery Processes will include reviews of Civic Square, Brisbane Street Mall with Riverbend Park. The Major Projects Directorate has now been disbanded.
The Examiner’s editorial (September 26) appears to have been highly influenced by the Town Hall and yet at the same time the Chamber of Commerce executive officer has said the Mall is “underwhelming” and with another letter (September 27) saying “kindergarten children could do better”.
Over a year ago the former General Manager brushed aside concerns as to the inappropriateness of the Tasmanian tiger due to high risk – what action did the council’s risk officer take?
The fact is I am continually told by business operators that the council will not listen when an opportunity for consultation may prevail; instead it is referred to perceived experts from elsewhere.
As a former state delegate on the leading national retail body in the 1980s and sowed the seeds for the establishment of Cityprom, thus with some knowledge on retail trends, I must say that Launceston is no longer a regional leader.
The pulse of the town centre is weak and visible cracks are obvious.
The council’s permissive approach to planning, with its unwillingness to undertake quality research to monitor business activity in the inner city has been indefensible.
Too many businesses in the central business district feel helpless and for some 70 people to attend a meeting to express their concerns should send a clear message to the aldermen that they have failed to show any understanding.
Superficial responses from Town Hall are wearing very thin.
Ian J. N. Routley, West Launceston.
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