Multi-transport modes key to Glenorchy’s future in completed $5.8 million project

The $5.8 million Glenorchy CBD Revitalisation Project has officially opened today after three years of work, providing a new focus on multi-transport modes.

Glenorchy will combat traffic congestion with the newly completed CBD revitalisation project’s focus on multi-transport modes.

The $5.8 million project has redeveloped parts of Main Road, Terry, Tolosa, Regina and Barry Streets and was officially opened on Tuesday after three years of works.

This has created accessibility for cars, taxis, disabled transport, buses and cyclists through the 15 minute parks and drop off zones, along with widened footpaths, increased street furniture and a lowered speed limis to encourage more foot traffic.

Main Road outside Northgate at Glenorchy has been revamped. Picture: Kelvin Ball

“With traffic congestion being an issue across greater Hobart it was really important to encourage and enable people to access different ranges of transport modes,” Glenorchy City Council mayor Bec Thomas said.

“While we know that people do typically travel by car that is starting to shift and some people choose to combine transport modes too, such as walking part way and bus-riding part way.”

Ms Thomas said the redeveloped Main Road allows for more people to find a parking spot to run a few errands, and those wanting to stay for longer had access to longer-length parks just a short walk away on neighbouring streets.

“We want people to be able to stop to grab a coffee or pop in to get something from the chemist but (the short term parking) enables more people to be able to stop,” she said.

Bec Thomas has been elected as the new Glenorchy City Council Mayor. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Mercury previously reported on community concerns about related road-closures, including the month-long closure on Main Road from mid-August to mid-September, which mayor Bec Thomas said was essential to upgrade underground infrastructure dating back to 100 years at its oldest as well as undertake the road redevelopment.

The lengthy project was rolled out in three phases over three fiscal years to spread the cost across the council’s annual budgets, with the state government providing a $500,000 grant in phase 3a of the project, a council spokeswoman said.

Glenorchy alderman Kelly Sims expressed her concerns about timelines, saying that in 2014 the state government made an election promise of $500,000 towards the revitalisation project, so in theory the works have dated back seven years not three.

A council spokeswoman said the project was completed on time and approximately five per cent under budget.