Parking debate: Businesses react to council trial along popular Hobart strip

As Hobart City Council’s 12-month outdoor dining trial continues, a debate has been sparked between business owners over strip’s parking options. CONCERNS >>

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COFFEE shop owner Sue Stagg is embracing the changes in Hobart’s Midtown.

As the Hobart City Council continues a 12-month trial of a more pedestrian-friendly, outdoor and social space along Elizabeth St, Ms Stagg ­remains a believer.

Parking spaces have been removed and outdoor dining is encouraged. A cafe-style strip is taking shape.

“On a nice day it’s abso­lutely packed and on weekends it just completely changes the vibe of the street and creates a nicer atmosphere,” said Ms Stagg, owner of Stagg Midtown coffee shop.

“People will sit and have a coffee and then grab some tacos from Grinners next door or grab a cocktail from Rude Boy and it’s great, because it turns it into more of a community instead of just individual shops, and I think that’s great for all the businesses.”

Sue Stagg of The Stagg coffee shop on Elizabeth Street. UTAS follow on announcement of Sandy Bay campus moving to the city. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the trial aimed to promote business activity in the Midtown area.

“The concept plan for Midtown is based around creating a retail precinct that attracts people, which in turn promotes more business activity,” Cr Reynolds said.

“The extended dining areas that are currently being trial­led are designed to be temporary, but will give us insight into how people feel about spending time in the area.”

The project has been successful in creating a buzz in Midtown, but not all are fully on board.

Operators of Ken Self ­Cycles bicycle and repair shop and the neighbouring Easy Sew sewing centre are two businesses with concerns.

Seven car spaces are transformed into restaurant area. Photograph shows Grant McCarthy business owner of Easy Sew and Chris Riley business owner of Ken Self Cycles. Picture Eddie Safarik.

While the Midtown area was, indeed, looking tired and in need of a “spruce up”, the changes, particularly in terms of removing parking, have gone too far, they said.

“The reason we’ve been in this area for so long is because it’s been quite accessible for our customers, but the ­removal of the seven parking spots means it’s making it ­extremely difficult for our customers and also for us to help our customers get their bikes to their car,” Ken Self Cycles owner Chris Riley said.

“I’m all for development but I think it’s gone overboard.

“As soon as you start closing off the streets or removing car parks for developments, it’s just going to compound the traffic issues and make it harder for people to park in the city.”

Easy Sew sewing centre owner Grant McCarthy agreed with Mr Riley’s views.

“Pretty much every second customer complains about parking,” Mr McCarthy said.

“The parklets removed seven parking spots and now our customers are struggling to get a park close by and have to resort to going into the big carparks.

Seven car spaces are transformed into restaurant area. Picture Eddie Safarik.

“Because we are a specialised business with sewing ­machines, people need to carry machines into us.

“Can you imagine carrying something the size of a sewing machine in here from a ­carpark?

“And we have a cross-­section of customers. Some are into their 80s … and then you have younger people, mums with young children in prams. It’s very inconvenient for them with no parking.”

For now, the divide ­remains.

Ms Stagg loves the vibrant social atmosphere of the outdoor cafes.

“It also adds greenery, there’s less cars, it’s safer. I think it’s a great thing and I’m really excited about the changes that are coming with more street upgrades,” she said.

Ms Stagg supported the need for loading zones for certain stores, but said the current parking in the area was adequate and that people may need to adjust and use other parking spots nearby.

Grinners Dive Bar co-owner Jordan Dunn said the trial had benefited his ­business.

“That social space is huge for us. It’s a more pedestrian-friendly space and allows us a greater capacity to have diners and drinkers out in that area,” Mr Dunn said.

“The trial also promotes the area, it’s not just for us, it’s for everyone and you often see people sitting there eating their lunch and it’s ­created a great atmosphere that people want to be in.

“As far as the parking goes, I think there’s still quite a few car parks for customers to use and so I’m all for the development of the area and keeping it as a social space.”

Cr Reynolds has encouraged feedback on the project.

To have your say on the midtown outdoor dining trial visit yoursay.hobartcity.com.au/midtown-expanded-outdoor-dining-trial.