Hobart City Council revamps Christmas cheer

Hobart City Council revamps Christmas cheer

A NEW modern Christmas tree in Salamanca Square will add to the Hobart City Council’s push to revamp the city’s festive flavour and boost the capital’s reputation as a place that embraces the season.

The city’s main traditional tree will be erected in Wellington Crt where it can be protected overnight, but the new robust structure will spread the Chrismas joy to the busy waterfront dining preceinct.

Last year Deputy Lord Mayor Ron Christie lamented the city’s dire Christmas decorations, labelling them as among the worst in the nation.

The city’s festive approach has been revamped, including a new metal Christmas tree in Salamanca Square and new decorations throughout the CBD.

“I think it creates a real point of interest for Salamanca Square, an area that functions as a family friendly hub during the day and an entertainment centre at night,” Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said.

“The design is dramatic and people can walk through or sit inside and experience the lighting close-hand.

In 2014 the HCC introduced a new, unique Christmas decorations program based on a more traditional approach which would particularly appeal to children and families.

For example, the Elizabeth Mall Information Booth will feature bespoke illustrated festive characters and have toy soldier figurines out front.

Characters will be applied to city centre planter boxes, tree and pole surrounds in the Elizabeth St mall, on city banners and on the mall’s windbreaks.

A traditional tree will be placed in Wellington Crt where it can be protected at night.

Because the same sort of overnight security cannot be provided in Salamanca Square a more robust structure was needed.

Collins Crt will also feature a special lighting system which will project festive images at events in the lead up to Christmas.