Salamanca upgrade will fix pedestrian crossing issues

As the project nears the three-quarter mark, fresh artist impressions have revealed what the new Salamanca Precinct will look like when the roadworks signs are cleared. 5 IMAGES >>

Artists impressions of the Salamanca precinct upgrade.

• Neighbours fight $2 million whisky distillery
• 2020 to end without a bang: NYE event cancelled

REMOVED parking spaces, larger footpaths and extra zebra crossings are on the cards for the Salamanca precinct facelift as the project nears the three-quarter mark.

Hobart City Council gave the go-ahead in July 2018 for a pedestrian-friendly upgrade improving connection with the waterfront.

The $3.5m project has been split into three stages from 2018 to 2021 at Salamanca, which hosts events like Dark Mofo’s Winter Feast and Salamanca Market.

Artists impressions of the Salamanca precinct upgrade.

Stage 2B is scheduled to finish earlier than predicted this year.

The remaining works for 2020 will upgrade the Abel Tasman memorial area and surrounding carpark, grass and concrete zones.

HCC general manager Nick Heath said the project would wrap up by the end of next year, with Stage 3 works commencing from mid-2021.

Artists impressions of the Salamanca precinct upgrade.

“The intent of the upgrade is to make it more convenient, enjoyable and, most importantly, safer for pedestrians to move around,” he said.

Stage 3 will see a wider footpath installed at Montpelier Retreat and Salamanca Place outside the Whaler, where flush kerbs will replace older pavers.

Parking spaces will be removed in favour of extra footpath space outside the Whaler’s outdoor dining area.

Changes planned for 2021 as part of the City of Hobart's Salamanca Place Precinct Upgrade. Source: HOBART CITY COUNCIL.

Changes planned for 2021 as part of the City of Hobart's Salamanca Place Precinct Upgrade. Source: HOBART CITY COUNCIL.

The upgrade will create room for another zebra crossing at Salamanca Place, ticking the final box for full pedestrian priority from Hobart waterfront to Salamanca.

The move comes after a pedestrian crossing was installed next to the Gladstone Street and Salamanca Place intersection, sometimes causing cars to come to a halt on the roundabout.

“Crossing Salamanca Place has long been an issue for pedestrians and a lot of people were already crossing near the roundabout,” Mr Heath said.