In the heart of Launceston, a transformative space has emerged to revolutionise health and wellbeing for northern Tasmanians. But importantly, it also aims to revitalise our beloved CBD and restore a deep sense of community connection.
Like many regional centres across the country, Launceston has faced significant challenges in recent years. The pandemic prompted a new era of flexible working arrangements which saw less office workers moving through our cities, and the increasing popularity of online shopping has seen a decline in retail trade.[1]
Add to this commercial rent hikes and the rising costs of living, and it’s easy to understand why some commentators have heralded the potential ‘end of the CBD’.[2]
However, Tasmania’s collective capacity to come together with a shared sense of purpose and pride is our superpower, enabling us to do things differently to other states.
It was our confidence in this superpower that allowed St Lukes to set our ambitious vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.
And it is the same confidence and commitment to the Tasmanian community that has driven our investment in Launceston’s revitalisation, designing and developing one of Australia’s most sustainable buildings.
While community health and wellbeing is at the core of our new Launceston home, the building represents so much more than that.
We want to draw people back into the CBD to support our local businesses. This will in turn create vibrancy, foster community connection and help transform Launceston into a thriving and dynamic place for everyone.
Working with other Tasmanian organisations, we’ve already locked in a broad variety of programs, including lunchtime concerts, a run club and yoga. The space also offers our health navigation service, dental clinic, a Sweetbrew café and children’s playground.
We hope the community will be enticed by all the social and health benefits our wellness hub has to offer. A space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, nurturing social cohesion and community spirit.
Launceston deserves a central hub that reflects its potential and aspirations. Investing in the CBD is a crucial step toward achieving that vision and we encourage other organisations to consider what they can do to make our city more vibrant.
[1] ABS data from 2020 revealed a third of people preferred online shopping than before the pandemic, and Australia Post research from the same year showed online retail in Australia had grown 45 per cent year-on-year.