Major Hobart Landmark gets a Makeover!


In the midst of its 150 year anniversary, a new master plan for Franklin Square has been prepared to guide the refurbishment of this Hobart landmark. The City of Hobart has prepared a draft master plan for Franklin Square, and over the next six weeks, people are invited to comment on the draft master plan.

Lord Mayor of Hobart, Alderman Damon Thomas said that the draft master plan involves a renewal of the park to conserve and promote its cultural heritage, and strengthen the park's role in activating the City.

“The purpose of the draft Master Plan is to guide future refurbishment of the park over the next 25 years. The Plan includes a vision for Franklin Square based on public and stakeholder engagement undertaken during an earlier phase of the project,” Alderman Thomas said.

The Chairman of Parks and Customer Services Alderman Jeff Briscoe said this vision describes Franklin Square as Hobart’s civic park; a place that tells of Hobart; its people and their heritage. The vision also portrays Franklin Square as a beautifully landscaped park for use by everyone: a place to meet friends and enjoy lunch, and a venue for activities and events."

“The draft master plan provides the background, analysis of key issues, and broad recommendations to achieve this vision,” said Alderman Briscoe.

The Lord Mayor said these recommendations are focussed upon better interpretation and conservation of Franklin Square’s cultural heritage, ensuring that landscaping and furniture complement the importance of the park, and promoting greater activation of Hobart’s most central park,” Alderman Thomas said.

Alderman Briscoe, referring to the particular community significance of the Square said, “Franklin Square has been the site where Tasmanians have relaxed and where important community protests have occurred on a variety of issues, including contentious ones like the protest by the so-called Gunns 20.”

For more information visit Hobart City Council