For Battery Point resident and accessibility advocate Dr Ian Broinowski, pedestrian improvements underway at the De Witt Street and Hampden Road intersection represent more than a local upgrade — they are a sign Hobart is becoming a city that works better for everyone.
“For me as a resident it’s wonderful and with mobility challenges it just makes life so much easier and more comfortable so I’m delighted,” said Dr Broinowski (pictured above right).
Dr Broinowski, who has lived in the area for many years, said everyday movement around older neighbourhoods can be challenging, particularly for people using mobility aids, parents with prams or those with limited mobility.
“A huge amount,” he said when asked how much difference the works would make.
"The current access on the footpath is for anybody, even with prams and pushes and mobility issues. It’ll make the world of difference.”
He said projects like this highlight how people experience streets differently.
“You see the world differently when you’re on a mobility scooter suddenly,” he said.
“Little things like that are really useful.”
Roadworks on the corner of De Witt Street and Hampden Road to improve pedestrian infrastructure.
The De Witt Street–Hampden Road project is one of many pedestrian‑focused upgrades being delivered across Hobart aimed at improving safety, accessibility and comfort while calming traffic and enhancing neighbourhood character.
Battery Point Community Association President Charles Morgan (pictured top left) said the works are a direct outcome of long‑standing community advocacy through the local area mobility plan.
He said Battery Point was one of Hobart’s most popular walking precincts, particularly during peak tourist seasons, making pedestrian safety a priority.
“Battery Point is an area where lots of people walk,” he said.
“And it’s very important, we think, to make it as pleasant as possible in terms of safety, in terms of amenity, and in terms of the way it looks.”
The upgrade will include raised pedestrian crossings, widened footpaths, improved edging and new trees, creating a safer and more attractive crossing point.
“It’ll be a very pleasant way to cross the road and increase safety,” Mr Morgan said.
“So we think it’s a very good outcome for Battery Point.”
The City of Hobart crew working on the De Witt Street-Hampden Road pedestrian improvements.
He said the community hoped this project was the beginning of further improvements.
“We’ve been wanting improvements to pedestrianism… for many years,” he said.
“And so it’s really good that this kind of activity is beginning to happen.”
Jointly funded by the City of Hobart and the Tasmanian Government, the $200,000 works are expected to take around six weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Traffic management will be in place during construction.
The Battery Point upgrade forms part of a city‑wide program of pedestrian improvements already completed or underway, helping to make Hobart safer, more accessible and easier to move around — now and into the future.
The City of Hobart has recently completed, or is progressing, a number of other pedestrian-focused projects, including:
- Haig Street pedestrian improvements ($150,000).
- Scramble crossing formalisation at Collins Street/Murray Street and Liverpool Street/Murray Street ($522,572).
- Elizabeth Street footpath widening between Davey Street and Macquarie Street ($120,000).
- Battery Square/Hampden Road pedestrian improvements ($115,478, grant funded).
- Edward Street continuous footpath ($175,000).
Looking ahead, major upcoming projects include:
- Burnett Street Active Transport Connections – $700,000 ($350,000 grant funded).
- Queens Walk footpath upgrade – $325,000 ($152,000 grant funded).