The highly anticipated new Launceston regional bus transit centre is a step closer with a development application submitted to the Launceston City Council.
The DA will allow for the transformation of 25 St John Street into a modern regional transit centre and replace the current temporary stop on Charles Street.
Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, said the centrally located site would offer excellent connectivity to the Launceston CBD and the broader bus network.
"This new transit centre will significantly enhance comfort and convenience for passengers travelling on inter-regional bus services," Mr Abetz said.
"We have been working hard behind the scenes with a local architect to ensure the site fit out meets the needs of customers using these bus services.
"Once the DA passes council's planning approval process, which is expected to take around five weeks, construction and fit-out will get underway to create a modern transit centre with key amenities on site.
"Construction is expected to take around 10 weeks," Mr Abetz said.
The proposed development will include amenities such as an indoor waiting area, restrooms, ticket sales facilities and luggage storage.
Liberal Member for Bass, Michael Ferguson, said a key focus of the site selection was that all bus operations, including passenger boarding and disembarking, would occur on-street directly in front of the site.
"We're pleased that the concepts so far have received strong in-principle support from the Launceston City Council, including the Mayor and elected members, as well as key regional bus operators," Mr Ferguson said.
"This upgrade represents a $400,000 investment in a regional public transport facility in our second largest centre, bringing passenger comfort up to the standard they rightly expect.
"The Tasmanian Government has stepped in to secure a long-term solution for public transport in Launceston following the disappointing closure of the privately-owned Cornwall Square Transit centre.
"It is part of our ongoing commitment to improve the passenger transport experience right across the State – a key priority under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future," Mr Ferguson said.
The new regional transit centre will replace the temporary kerbside facility at Charles Street and William Street which was established for the Intercity, east coast and Mole Creek bus services after the privately owned Cornwall Square facility closed.
Project updates will be published at www.transport.tas.gov.au/publictransport.
