Salamanca Place Precinct Upgrade

Stage 3 artist impression

Stage 3 precinct upgrade works to improve the safety and accessibility of Salamanca Place are set to commence on 17 July 2023.

The works are the final stage of the City of Hobart's $3.5 million Salamanca Place Precinct upgrade which gives a fresh contemporary feel to the area connecting Salamanca Place to Hobart's waterfront and makes it easier and safer for pedestrians to move around.

After a deliberate pause due to the impacts of COVID and to allow businesses time to recover, the final stage of the works can now get underway and will see a number of improvements.

Improvements

  • The footpath in front of The Whaler will be widened and new pavers installed to provide enough room for pedestrians and people with prams and mobility devices to pass while still allowing space for the much-loved outdoor dining area out front.
  • People walking between the waterfront and Salamanca will be able to make the journey safely with new zebra crossings to be installed across Salamanca Place and Montpelier Retreat.
  • In the months following the crossings installation, we will undertake a traffic assessment to ensure the changes are working safely and effectively.
  • Removeable bollard footings will be installed along Salamanca Place kerb to improve pedestrian safety and access when Salamanca Lawns are being used for special events.
  • Extra lighting will be installed to better illuminate the Montpellier Retreat and Salamanca Place intersections at night.
  • New CCTV cameras will be installed.
  • Additional stormwater and other underground services installed to provide for any future upgrades or development needs.

Impacts to businesses

  • The project team has designed the work schedule to minimise disruption to visitors and businesses however we know that having construction happening close by can be inconvenient.
  • Officers are working closely with The Whaler and Salamanca Fresh in particular to ensure they are well informed and supported throughout.
  • Access to businesses will be maintained at all times.
  • Any works at entrance to buildings will be carried out after hours or if it needs to occur during opening hours, in a way that does not block the entry entirely and with approval from the business owner.
  • Works will cease on Salamanca Market days to minimise disruption. Up to 4 market stalls will have to temporarily relocate during some phases of the works and Market managers will notify and support impacted stallholders.

The works are expected to be completed by November 2023.

Stage 3 artist impression
Stage 3 artist impression

About the project

The City of Hobart has been upgrading the precinct connecting Salamanca Place to Hobart's waterfront to make it more pedestrian friendly. The area houses major hospitality and retail activity, as well as being home to the Salamanca Market.

The $3.5 million upgrade is being delivered in multiple stages, with Stage 1 and 2 already completed.

The upgrade is part of the Inner City Action Plan which responds to key recommendations from the Gehl Architects Report, Hobart 2010 Public Spaces and Public Life – a city with people in mind. The recommendations aim to attract people and activity into Hobart and to create a vital, dynamic city centre.

Key Priorities

  • Creating a more connected space between the Hobart Waterfront and Salamanca Place.
  • Making Salamanca Place pedestrian friendly by giving priorities to people rather than vehicles.
  • Removing kerbs to create a step free zone, increasing accessibility and improving the space for events such as the Salamanca Market, Taste of Tasmania and Dark MOFO.
  • Increasing lighting and installing new CCTV to help create a safer precinct for our local community and visitors.
  • Enhancing the look and feel of Salamanca with new plants and street furniture.

Completed work

  • Stage 1 involved upgrades to the existing footpath between Gladstone Street and Montpellier Retreat. This included widening the footpath along Salamanca Place to improve outdoor dining areas for local hospitality businesses. Additionally, a new flush was installed to help eliminate trip hazards during the Salamanca Market and new pavers were installed to create a smoother surface and a contemporary look.
  • Stage 2A included increasing the size of the footpath in front of Princes Wharf 1, installing a new zebra crossing on Castray Esplanade and installing flush kerbs on Morrison Street. The southbound one-way road that ran from Morrison Street to Montpelier Retreat through the Salamanca Lawns was closed to make way for the new plaza area. New lighting and CCTV capability was installed as well as bicycle racks, seating and planter boxes.
  • Stage 2B included major upgrades to the stormwater infrastructure in Castray Esplanade across to Salamanca Place to improve drainage during large rainfall events. Work was completed around the Abel Tasman Monument and the nearby car park. Gladstone Street was widened and a dedicated right hand turn lane into Castray Esplanade was added. Flush kerbing was installed along Gladstone Street and two new zebra crossings were added across Salamanca Place. Finally, the new plaza area was created near the Salamanca Lawns and retractable bollards were installed to support the operation of Salamanca Market.

Location

Salamanca Place, Battery Point 7004  View Map

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