Devonport’s new elevated walkway and waterfront parklands are open to the public just in time for Christmas.

Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman said it was exciting to see most of the fencing come down today and the community checking out the waterfront precinct with the elevated walkway being a popular drawcard already.

Cr Jarman said the walkway is a major element of Devonport City Council’s $17 million Waterfront Park project, with the 160 metres long by 6 metres wide structure jutting out over the Mersey River, providing views of the city and surrounding suburbs and mountains.

She said Council supported a motion at its Monday night meeting to officially name the new waterfront parkland Haines Park, which has been formally submitted to Place Names Tasmania for consideration.

“This is so great for our community and just in time for Christmas, we are all absolutely thrilled,” Cr Jarman said.

“It’s fantastic to have the foreshore trail open and for our community to enjoy, especially during the holiday period.

“The elevated walkway allows people of all abilities to safely cross Formby Road and the rail corridor and connect to the waterfront trails, with the two lifts available at either end of the walkway.

“And with the playground and barbecue facilities open, now is the time to get down with your family and enjoy this amazing space.”

Cr Jarman said the two areas still fenced off from the public include the grassed area near the toilet block and also the water mist feature. She said works on the water feature would resume from 9 January 2023.

“Some sections of the waterfront park have been available to the public for a while now, including the Rotunda, the amphitheatre and the parklands area adjacent to the Rooke Street bus stops,” Cr Jarman said.

“It’s just fantastic to have most of the park now open and I’m sure the guests at the Novotel will absolutely love the opportunity to enjoy the elevated walkway and the beautiful parklands.

“This has been a long time coming, but it was always part of Council’s LIVING CITY vision. It’s really exciting to see this entire project almost complete.”

Cr Jarman said the official opening of the waterfront park would be held in conjunction with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s Novotel Symphony on the Waterfront event on Saturday, 11 February 2023.