The erosion of the form and quality of central Hobart's spaces : planning for repair

This research project examines the erosion of street spaces which has occurred within the Central Business District of Hobart. The study area is the Central Business District of Hobart, an area which exhibits both form and function typical of most cities within the western world. The city centre has changed considerably since its days as a fledgling settlement in Van Deiman's Land. However it was the changes that occurred over the last 40 years that have had a direct and significant impact on the public spaces within the city. The recognition of the importance of the street as an integral part of the spatial framework of the city was made late last century. However it was not until early this century with unprecedented changes occurring to cities world-wide that consideration was given to means of retaining, reinforcing and reestablishing the street space. These changes were identified as: Technological; new building material allowed new forms of buildings, personalized transport was possible with the use of the motor vehicle. Economic; retailing took on a new form and relocated from the city centre, economies of scale encouraged other uses to become dominant within the C.B.D. Philosophical; Urbanists, Planners and Architects were recognising the problems that were developing in cities and new building and spatial forms were proposed. The major findings of the study are as follows: Building forms particularly those which evolved from the modernist movement have eroded the spacemaking qualities of traditional buildings. The motor vehicle has had a wide ranging effect on both a micro and macro scale. Statutory controls have encouraged a break from the traditional building form. The function of the study area has evolved resulting in a loss of traditional roles (e.g. retailing). Public spaces (e.g. streets) are being privatised, mostly to the detriment of the life and vitality of the street. New street types have been introduced (e.g. internal streets, malls) which have fragmented and/or destroyed the traditional shopping street. Forces outside the study area have had a profound impact on the function of the study area. Assessment of the findings in the study has led to a number of recommendations, which,in summary are as follows: Review of various provisions within the statutory framework Intra and interdepartmental cooperation in the management of the public spaces Formation of urban design guidelines Reduction in the impact of vehicular numbers, movement, parking within the study area through various means Involvement of citizens groups, business sector and Council in the promotion of the importance and vitality of the street spaces Regional approach to retailing