Bayfield Street, Hobart

This project required a considered response to the problems plaguing Bayfield Street shopping strip, typical of streetscapes which have evolved over a period of time. These included a hodgepodge of materials throughout, narrow footpaths and struggling street trees, varying and non-DDA compliant levels, and poor pedestrian and vehicle traffic management. The site, which exists over both private and public titles, added to the complexity.

Designed and documented by Urban Initiatives in conjunction with engineering firm Pitt and Sherry, the project involved an extensive public consultation process and careful planning, effective management, and communication with traders to ensure their engagement and contribution, and minimal disruption to trading through the construction period.

In addition to addressing the functional and safety issues, Urban Initiatives advocated for the importance of a coherent response throughout the whole project site: a strategy which would make a huge contribution to the public realm.

The consistent materials palette is contemporary while being sympathetic and complementary to existing conditions. It significantly improves the street’s amenity by implementing trees on both sides of the street and the median strip, despite limited space, while achieving comfortable and compliant circulation for vehicles and pedestrians.