The City of Launceston and Birchalls Build Co partner S. Group have today launched a design competition inviting community members - especially children and young people - to help shape the new playground planned for the Brisbane Street Mall.
Construction on the new play space will begin in mid-2026 to help activate the Mall during the redevelopment of the historic Birchalls site.
And S. Group's architects and designers leading the project are handing an important part of the design brief directly to the community.
Participants are invited to design one of the three key playground elements below:
• Something to jump on
• Something to climb on
• An animal feature
Entries can be created using LEGO, a Minecraft build, or a drawing, with the winning concept in each category to be incorporated into the final playground design.
S. Group Director and Birchalls Build Co spokesperson Sam Haberle said the team was excited to collaborate directly with the Launceston community.
"We've designed many spaces, but the best ideas often come from the people who'll actually use them," Mr Haberle said.
"This competition is about inviting imagination and celebrating local creativity - and we're really looking forward to seeing the entries."
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the competition was a fun and engaging way to involve local families in the transformation of the Mall.
"This project is about activating the city centre while Birchalls is brought back to life, and empowering our young people to help shape it," Mayor Garwood said.
"It'll be really rewarding to see the creativity our community brings forward."
Each category winner will be able to choose from a Minecraft voucher from EB Games, a LEGO voucher from Toyworld, or an art supplies voucher from the Launceston Art Centre - all CBD businesses.
Entries close at 11:59pm on February 8, with winners to be announced on February 9.
Details on how to enter, along with full terms and conditions, are available on S. Group's website: www.sgroup.com.au/playground-design-competition
