Current works

The footpath renewal work from the boundary of 90 New Town Road to the corner of Pedder Street has involved the insertion of new stormwater services (illustrated right) and repairing retaining structures at the rear of 37 and 39 Seymour Street. 

Digging up the footpath has revealed some unexpected infrastructure that requires safety considerations by our crew and in some cases underground repairs. A crumbling side wall in the Telstra pit (pictured right) will need reinstating by a Telstra contractor.  

Introducing Russell Dowd

Russell is the City's Manager of Civil Works unit and the officer responsible for the delivery of construction projects across the city. If you think that crews are taking a long time to work on sections of the upgrade Russell says "it's my fault, I have a duty of care to ensure that each member of my crew gets home safe to their family and that means we take the time necessary to assess the conditions underground before work proceeds. When working on a construction site, that interfaces with the public and traffic, safety is an ever-changing, dynamic risk that we are dealing with on a daily basis." 

Informing the community

Approximately 3,000 letters that included a project information sheet have been sent to New Town residents informing them of the commencement of work. Other communication has included social media posts, articles in the Hobart Observor and City News and this e-newsletter that is sent to approximately 350 members of the community.   

Approximately 50 people attended the the drop-in session (pictured right) held on the private lawns of the old church. Officers also presented details of the first stage of works to the New Town Community Association meeting held on 6 March 2019. If you know any residents or businesses that are new to the area, please ask them to get in touch via the contact details below so that we can inform them of the precinct upgrade.