The stage is set for Devonport to celebrate the opening of its $17 million waterfront precinct redevelopment. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra will perform under the stars beside the beautiful Mersey River before a crowd of 5000 with free tickets. Mayor Alison Jarman said the highly-anticipated Devonport Novotel Symphony on the Waterfront concert on February 11 would be a fantastic event, with more things happening in the city before it starts. The official waterfront precinct opening starts at 5.45 pm and the Symphony on the Waterfront concert begins at 7 pm. "Bring your chair or rug and get there early to choose your spot," Councillor Jarman said. "Bring a picnic, come and have fun and enjoy the stunning music. "The city's new elevated walkway will be a great vantage point." The public may bring alcohol but, as with any public space, do so at their own risk as standard public drinking laws apply, Cr Jarman said. Concertgoers will get treated to a performance by Devonport's accomplished Right on Cue choir before the TSO. Right on Cue director Petrina Jahnz said the 16-year-old community choir loves the camaraderie of singing together and bringing joy. "We have a diverse group of all different experiences and music levels," she said. Ms Jahnz said the choir had never performed in front of 5000 people. "It's such a privilege to get asked, and it just shows that a community group of mixed ages and abilities can do something like this." Cr Jarman said she looked forward to "an outstanding performance and to share the love with the community." "It's about time we had a wonderful (TSO) concert," Cr Jarman said. "I feel grateful to have it as our first event in the city's new parkland space. "It will be a huge day with events in the mall from 10 am that will spill through into Market Square, where food vendors will be operating from 3 pm." Cr Jarman said the waterfront precinct, which includes the $40 m Novotel Hotel, is already proving to be a popular meeting place for the community. The waterfront project, funded by a $10 m federal government grant and $7 m from the Devonport City Council's cash reserve, achieves the long-held desire to connect the CBD to the river. "The precinct is more than just a redevelopment," Cr Jarman said. "It's a vision for the future of Devonport, an investment in tourism, and a driver for economic growth. "The public is embracing the Living City master plan, praising the parklands area as a new, positive space to enjoy food, culture, and the arts." Waterfront Park consists of a children's play space, a barbecue shelter, public amenities, native Tasmanian plantings, amphitheatre, water and mist feature that's awaiting parts to function, events common, pathways, lighting, an elevated walkway, and a rotunda. Formby Road between Oldaker Street and Best Street will be closed from 7 am on February 11 for the TSO concert. What do you think? Have your say by sending a Letter to the Editor.
