City Heart Place Plan

The City Heart Place Plan represents the next phase of the Launceston City Heart Project.

It focuses on the area bounded approximately by Cimitiere, Wellington, Elizabeth and Tamar Streets.

The Place Plan defines the area’s future mixed-use character, open space and river walk connections, and how these link with neighbouring precincts and is a key part of northern Tasmanians' vision for the future of Launceston's city centre.

This project seeks to create a people focused CBD for all seasons to support a day and night-time economy, increase dwell time, drive economic activity and foster social connection.

City Heart Place Plan

The Plan's proposals are founded in the results of Council's ongoing engagement with the community and key stakeholders from the themed engagement platform Tomorrow Together as well as through engagement undertaken during development of strategies such as the City of Launceston Urban Greening Strategy 2023- 2040 and the City of Launceston Transport Strategy 2020- 2040.

The Place Plan has been formulated in recognition of lessons learnt during the previous phase of City Heart Project implementation including:  

  • The need to enable more granular staged rollout of infrastructure in the absence of large capital grants (providing the opportunity to collaborate with key stakeholders through a 'try before you buy’ approach, where suitable).  
  • The ability to coordinate infrastructure funding with council’s strategies and action plans and other grant mechanisms, such as funding urban greening or road safety.  
  • Recognising the interconnected nature of many of council’s plans, which require incremental progress, testing and refinement of actions as lessons are learnt. 

Council will use the Place Plan to prioritise projects, with actions incrementally building to long-term solutions. It will work through local partnerships and groups with ‘custodianship’ of outcomes, map out the staging for delivery of actions, short-term pathways to long-term changes, and continue ongoing engagement to fine-tune and advance this Place Plan as a ‘live document’.

A link to the City Heart Place Plan can be found here.

Character Areas

There are six-character areas that have been identified in the City Heart Place Plan, each with their own current and planned future characteristics.

Click on the flashing information markers on the map to find out more about each character area, including the current and upcoming actions.
You can also view and download a copy of the map and description of the Character Areas here.

Current Projects

Check out the projects that are currently underway:

  • Birchalls Arcade & Play space

    CHARACTER AREA: CBD CORE WEST

    A new public arcade connecting Brisbane Street Mall and Paterson Street Central Car Park, which will contain public toilets and food kiosks as well as an accessible play space in Brisbane Street Mall.

    More information and live construction stream here 

  • St John Street Bus Shelter Refresh

    Short-term improvements to St John Street bus stops will include upgraded seating and shelter panels to create a more comfortable waiting experience for bus users.

    More information here 

  • On-Street Events Space Analysis

    CHARACTER AREA: ACROSS ALL

    Working with partners to explore exciting event space opportunities, including what’s needed to support events - such as water, power and sewer connections to make hosting events easy and enjoyable for everyone.

    More information to follow.

Upcoming Projects

Check out the actions identified within the Place Plan:

  • City of Gastronomy

    CHARACTER AREA: ACROSS ALL

    Exploring opportunities to work together on projects that celebrate Launceston’s identity as a City of Gastronomy. This could include partnering with others, supporting local food initiatives, or events that showcase our region’s amazing food culture.

    Find out more about Gastronomy here 

  • Cameron Street Greening

    CHARACTER AREAS: CIVIC SPINE

    We will prepare a detailed design for the future upgrade of Cameron Street, one of Launceston’s most important city streets. The project will investigate opportunities for new tree planting, greening, improved pedestrian amenity, and cycling connections as part of the City Heart Place Plan.

    Click here to view the Urban Greening Strategy 

  • Changes to A3 Route

    CHARACTER AREA: ACROSS ALL

    The City of Launceston is working with the Department of State Growth to redesignate Tamar, Cimitiere, and York Streets as part of the A3 route.

    This change will include updated wayfinding signage to guide traffic along the new route, helping improve flow and connectivity through the city.

    View the Transport Strategy here 

  • Intuitive Wayfinding

    CHARACTER AREA: ACROSS ALL

    Commence preparation for intuitive wayfinding to make it easier for people to find their way around the city.

    More information to follow.

  • Princess and Earl Arts Theatre District

    CHARACTER AREA: CBD CORE EAST

    We are improving the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Theatre including the streetscape, making the area safer, more accessible and more enjoyable to visit. The project will help create a welcoming and vibrant cultural precinct that supports theatre activities, local businesses and city life.
    More information to follow.

  • Princes Square Improvements

    CHARACTER AREA: SOUTH FRINGE

    Enhance activity and vibrancy around Princes Square through improved maintenance and plantings.

    More information to follow.

Completed Projects

  • George Street Dining Deck Trial

    The City of Launceston, in partnership with hospitality businesses trialled the installation of dining decks (also known as parklets) along George Street - between Cameron and Brisbane Streets.

    Click here to find out more! 

  • Cameron Street Streetscape Improvements

    CHARACTER AREA: CIVIC SPINE

    The City of Launceston is improving the streetscape on Cameron Street. The project calms traffic, enhances safety for pedestrians by narrowing the crossing distance, and improves the streetscape with greenery and seating.

    Works were completed in late 2025.
    Click here to find out more!