Opposition growing to proposed UTAS parklet as petition exceeds 500 signatures
Traders have denied being consulted on University of Tasmania plans for a parklet in the Hobart CBD as they step up their campaign against the plan. LATEST >>
Tasmania
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SUPPORT to “save Melville Street” is growing, according to business owners, following public outrage around plans for a parklet on the street, which would require closing one lane of traffic.
The plans were submitted by the University of Tasmania and are part of its campus relocation from Sandy Bay to the CBD.
Last week, business owners voiced their concerns about the plan, including that it would result in fewer parking spots in the area, which they believed would affect their trade.
Spearheading the fight against the proposal is Denis McLoughlin, who owns one of the buildings in the area.
Mr McLoughlin said support for an online petition had attracted hundreds of signatures.
“We’re past 500 yesterday on the online one and that’s only been a few days,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“And quite a few shops have petitions in their stores.”
Representations can be made until Tuesday, and Mr McLoughlin plans to submit one at the eleventh hour.
“I disagree with the handing over of a public road for a parklet, that is totally unnecessary,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“As Penny Lane and the precincts of the adjacent accommodation buildings provide more than enough similar spaces with better protection from wind, rain and sun, I believe there is no obvious benefit to the central business zone or the people of Hobart.”
Mr McLoughlin said many businesses were submitting individual representations, but he anticipated many would sign his.
“We’ve prompted many to do it online, the actual paper one we’ve handed out to local businesses, I expect 40 or 50,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“Of course we’ve only had two days to do this because we’ve been so busy with everything else.”
He said the other main concern was the university’s statement that business owners and operators were consulted about the plan.
“The biggest thing that bugs us is they claim they consulted with shop keepers and retailers,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“We’ve been to 70 shops and no one was consulted – not one!
“That is a fundamental lie in the development application.“
The University of Tasmania said a representative visited businesses in the area on Wednesday, after concerns were raised by traders.
A spokesman said consultation would continue over the course of the project.
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