Update from the EO

Hello to all of our wonderful businesses,

We are excited to share with you the changes happening in our city this winter to bring people together, support local businesses, and breathe new life into our urban spaces.

Supporting the city in the winter months ahead

We recognise the difficulties businesses are facing, many of you are reporting through to us that the cost of living and cost of doing business crisis is hitting your bottom line. It is for this reason that we have been working our socks off to do something different and exciting this winter to encourage visitation. Welcome to The Lounge! Designed to increase visitation and dwell time to the city, to encourage people to leave their offices at lunch time and buy lunch from a local business and come and visit the lounge, we are giving people a reason to be in the city and contribute towards more vibrancy, activity and people.

In addition to this, we have our usual winter campaign blog and content and are spending time working with City of Launceston, local elected members and the police to address some of the antisocial behaviour. If you have any visitors to your store that do not appear to be there for the shopping then please do suggest they come and check our space out, more details below. We have lot of community groups and artist and musicians visiting, which again is all extra foot fall in the city, so please share our posts and help spread the news. We got coverage on radio, TV, the Examiner and all over social media for the launch yesterday and the reaction from the public has been overwhelmingly positive.

Introducing The Lounge: a new activation in the CBD

We have transformed an unoccupied shop in the CBD into The Lounge – a vibrant community hub open for eight weeks this winter. This initiative is more than just a physical space; it's a sanctuary for real-life connections and a true sense of belonging, especially crucial in today's post-COVID digital age where loneliness is a growing concern. . Our goal is to offer a welcoming space that strengthens our community and provides a respite from the winter blues.

The Lounge will serve as Launnie's communal living room. We invite everyone to treat it as a cherished friend's home: a place to relax, unwind, escape the winter chill, and engage with others. Whether you're stopping by during a lunch break, taking a detour while shopping, seeking a break from home, or simply passing by to enjoy the ambiance, all are welcome.

Highlights of The Lounge include:

• Live music: Featuring local artists and open jam sessions where visitors can join in using provided instruments or their own.
• Art displays: Showcasing local talent.
• Quiet times: Enjoy vinyl records in a cosy setting.
• Comfortable seating: Couches, bean bags, rugs, and a heater for warmth.
• Activities: Board games, jigsaw puzzles, and a kids' corner.
• Snacks: Free fruit available; feel free to bring food and drink from nearby eateries.

The vision for the project has come to life thanks to a host of local sponsors, with donations to the space’s décor and the generosity of local talent a testament to the spirit of Launceston’s community, something The Lounge aims to inspire and celebrate this winter. A huge thank you to The Examiner, Barratts Music, Think Big, Town Trader, Winflo Curtains, Fergie's Betta, Ivory & Deene, Brisbane Street News & Lotto, Capri, Plant Envy, Young's Vegie Shed, Avenue Records & MA Sound.

Changes in the city

Amanda McEvoy

Executive Officer

Launceston Central