[Adelaide] SA Government and Adelaide City Council announce joint investment to transform Riverbank to Central Market laneways
The South Australian Government and Adelaide City Council last week announced a joint investment of $14.6 million to transform the network of small streets and laneways between the Adelaide Riverbank and Adelaide Central Market.
The 2016-17 State Budget will include $7.3 million towards the project, with the Adelaide City Council contributing the same amount in partnership.
The project will upgrade Bank Street, Leigh Street, Topham Mall, Bentham Street and Pitt Street to create an exciting and vibrant pedestrian and cycling connection between the Central Markets and the River Bank.
The ‘Market to Riverbank Link’ will feature upgraded intersections, new paving, lighting, trees, landscaping, street furniture and public art.
The partnership between the State Government and Adelaide City Council follows on from the success of the Leigh Street demonstration project which began in July 2012, with the support of the Council, as part of the State Government’s Vibrant Adelaide agenda.
Recent Adelaide City Council consultation on the laneways network has shown strong community support for further improvements, with the top five feedback responses looking for more greenery, prioritising pedestrians, improved lighting, art and supporting the character and atmosphere in these small streets.
The project will begin immediately with design work and feedback sought from traders and the local community on those designs. Capital works are expected to start in early 2017 and be completed in 2018.
This project is identified as a priority in Council’s draft 2016-2020 Strategic Plan.
City of Adelaide Minister John Rau said the revitalisation of Adelaide’s underutilised small streets and laneways is energising the City and reinforcing the unique qualities that make Adelaide accessible, liveable and affordable.
“Improvements to this important pedestrian link through the City will complement the Government’s changes to encourage more people to invest in our CBD,” Mr Rau said.
“About 70 new venues located across Adelaide’s smallest streets and laneways have generated an estimated 800 jobs and $65 million in economic activity since the introduction of the Small Venue Licence in 2013.”
Source: News Release, Urbanalyst, 20 June, 2016