What are the new community assets being delivered?
The first new asset will be the new permanent play space, which will add community value to the Brisbane Street Mall and transform it into a family-friendly space. Following this, work will start on the Birchalls building, which will include a public arcade and thoroughfare access with public toilets and amenities.
The arcade will improve pedestrian connections through the city centre, provide public toilets and create space for small food and beverage operators.
The play space will provide a new destination for families and visitors within the CBD.
Why is this project being delivered?
The former Birchalls building is one of Launceston’s most recognisable city centre retail landmarks. Since its closure, it has remained underused and vacant.
This project responds to a long-standing community aspiration to develop the site, while delivering lasting public benefits, including community desire to see food options and public toilets established in the mall.
It will improve public amenity, strengthen walking connections, create places for people to gather and support a more vibrant, welcoming and family-friendly city centre.
The project also supports Council's vision for a thriving city heart by encouraging more people to visit, stay longer and spend time in the CBD.
Who is delivering the project?
The Birchalls redevelopment is being delivered by Birchalls Build Co., a consortium which includes S. Group and Tas City Building, as the selected development partner for the site.
The public arcade and play space form part of the broader redevelopment project.
Will the City of Launceston own the arcade and play space?
Yes. The public arcade and play space are being delivered as community assets that will remain publicly accessible. Food and beverage kiosks within the arcade will be privately operated.
When will the play space open?
The play space is expected to open by the end of 2026.
When will the arcade be completed?
The arcade forms part of the broader Birchalls redevelopment, which is expected to be completed in 2028.
How will the food and beverage tenancies in the arcade be managed?
The food and beverage tenancies will be privately managed by Birchalls Build Co. More details will be available in the lead up to project completion in 2028. Will the play space be accessible?
Yes. The City of Launceston is engaged with the Launceston Inclusive Spaces Working Group in the design process. The play space has been designed to include accessible play, including wheelchair-accessible play elements.
How did the community help design the play space?
The City of Launceston reviewed previous community engagement feedback regarding play spaces to inform the design. The City of Launceston and S. Group invited community members, particularly children and young people, to help shape the play space through a public design competition.
Participants were asked to contribute ideas for play features, with winning concepts helping inform the final design.
What will happen during construction?
The City of Launceston and project partners will work closely with businesses, residents and visitors to minimise impacts where possible and provide updates throughout the project.
A rotating program of food trucks are planned to help maintain activity within Brisbane Street Mall during construction.
Why is Council partnering with a private developer?
Partnerships, such as with Birchalls Build Co., allow our community to realise additional benefits from mixed-use developments, delivering public assets in a financially achievable way.
The project provides a way to bring the former Birchalls site back into active use while delivering significant public benefits, including a new play space, public arcade, public amenities and improved city centre connections.
How does the project respect the history of Birchalls?
The redevelopment has been designed to respond to the heritage significance of the Birchalls building. Heritage elements will be protected and enhanced.
Design elements, materials and themes from the historic site will be incorporated into both the building and play space, helping celebrate its history while creating a new chapter for the precinct.