Completion of on-street dining area marks official launch of two-year trial project on Collins St
The reimagination of Collins St is complete, with the launch of a new on-street dining area to complement two new separated bike lanes on the key CBD thoroughfare.
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The reimagination of Collins St is officially complete, following the installation of a streetside dining area to complement two new protected bike lanes, with one local councillor saying the $340,000 project has transformed the key CBD thoroughfare into a “destination”.
Two months after work began on the Hobart City Council’s street modifications, the final product was formally launched on Friday.
It comes in the wake of fierce backlash from some businesses and property owners, who fear the changes, which extend across a 700m stretch between Molle and Murray streets, could lead to a reduction in trade associated with the removal of about 35 parking spaces.
Hobart councillor and transport committee chair Ryan Posselt said the two-year trial project was designed to turn Collins St into a “place that people want to come [to], rather than a place that people move through”.
“It’s actually a destination,” he said.
“The on-street dining precinct serves about 14 different hospitality venues that are within 50 metres.
“And because you can go across the road on Harrington St, grab something from one of the venues over there and bring it back across, it does truly serve those restaurants and cafes, as well.
“What we know is that making people come to a place, stay longer and linger longer, means that they’ll spend more money in business, and that everyone wins, because we get a lovely place to spend our lunch breaks.”
Boasting furniture and greenery, the on-street dining area is located near the intersection of Collins and Harrington streets, where the new bike lanes, which begin at Molle St, come to an end.
The trial also features a zebra crossing between Victoria and Harrington streets and lower speed limits.
David Painter, who owns the popular takeaway sushi restaurant, Sush, on Collins St, said he believed the on-street dining area would be “awesome” for nearby businesses such as his.
“It’s fantastic to have tables outside our shop. We’ve been doing takeaway here since 2005 … so having the tables is a real bonus,” he said.
“Streets are just a whole lot more than a way to get from home to work and back. And so I’m really pleased that the council [is] developing the space and bringing the streets to life a little bit.
“I think it’s going to have a fantastic impact on all the businesses here.”
Five rounds of public engagement are planned as part of the trial in order to gather feedback regarding potential positive and negative impacts on the community and local businesses.
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Originally published as Completion of on-street dining area marks official launch of two-year trial project on Collins St
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