North Hobart parking pains discussed at public meeting

A public meeting to discuss parking woes in Hobart’s premier dining and entertainment precinct has heard local businesses have begun losing trade as the problem worsens.

North Hobart's restaurant strip. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

BUSINESSES in Hobart’s premier dining and entertainment precinct have begun losing trade amid worsening parking problems, a public meeting has been told.

More than 70 people attended the meeting in North Hobart yesterday to discuss the suburb’s parking woes, which North Hobart Traders’ Association President John Kelly described as “out of control”.

North Hobart Traders Association president John Kelly at Condell Place carpark in North Hobart. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

Traders are seeking urgent action to increase parking in the precinct.

In July last year the council rejected calls to transform the Condell Place car park at the rear of the Elizabeth St strip into a multi-level residential block and car park.

TRADERS ASSOCIATION SAYS LACK OF PARKING OPTIONS HURTING BUSINESSES

There had been two informal approaches to the council, from separate developers, seeking to submit proposals for the site.

Mr Kelly said the situation was not only impacting traders, but the whole North Hobart community.

“Over the past 15 years there have been countless studies, reports and meetings,” he said.

Some residents said more parking would only bring more traffic to the area. Other residents disputed there was a parking issue during the day, with many time-limited spots free in surrounding streets.

Con Vailas, of celebrated cafe Born in Brunswick, said he saw potential customers drive past every day for lack of parking.

Con Vailas. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

A number of traders said trade had dropped over the past year, as parking problems intensified with Uber Eats drivers lining Elizabeth St.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds moved to reassure the crowd that the council was taking North Hobart’s parking issues seriously.

“The council did decide in July last year to undertake a parking plan ... we are very keen to undertake that process,” she said.

A motion by Alderman Marti Zucco for an expressions of interest process for Condell Place carpark will be considered at tonight’s council meeting.

Councillor Reynolds has outlined the council’s commitment to conflict of interest rules following complaints from members of the public about the Condell Place push, given Ald Zucco owns property next to the site.

Ald Zucco has said he has no conflict of the interest.