24 Feb, 2017

Market to Riverbank link plans revealed

22 February 2017

Yesterday has marked an important milestone in the $14.6 million transformation of key laneways in Adelaide.

The first artist’s impressions of Bank Street and Topham Mall North in the Market to Riverbank link have been unveiled to property and business owners at an information session yesterday.

The artist’s impressions reflect the concept designs of the revitalisation of Adelaide’s underutilised small streets and laneways that will be transformed into an energising and vibrant Market to Riverbank link.

The impressions created are based on designs which underwent an extensive community and business owner engagement process which provides the vision for turning the Market to Riverbank link from a dream into reality.

The Market to Riverbank link upgrade will feature trees, lighting, new paving, landscaping, street furniture and public art. Bank Street construction is expected to start at the end of March with an announcement of the civil contractor imminent– the first stage of the Adelaide Central Market to Adelaide Riverbank Laneways link.

Background

In June 2016 the South Australian Government and City of Adelaide committed $14.6 million to transform a network of small streets and laneways between the Adelaide Central Market and the Riverbank to create a destination where communities and businesses can thrive.

The Market to Riverbank link includes Pitt Street, Bentham Street, Topham Mall, Leigh Street and Bank Street. The link connects the iconic Adelaide Central Market, one of Australia’s best loved food markets, with the developing world-class cultural and entertainment Riverbank precinct.

These important connecting laneways provide a significant route for more than 15,000 pedestrians daily, with the aim of further increasing their popularity through improved pathways and new destinations.

The focus of the Market to Riverbank precinct will be to provide a key city connection, promote economic vitality and enhance each laneway’s unique character with flexible public spaces. It also aims to create destinations and a ‘sense of place’ throughout the laneways network.

These laneways were identified as a priority for the city and a key driver for the Laneways Master Plan, along with the implementation of South Australian Government projects within the Adelaide Riverbank, including the Festival Plaza redevelopment and upgrades to Station Road.

With the City of Adelaide also looking into ways to improve and enhance the Market District, and with its plans to redevelop the Central Market Arcade in the years ahead, upgrading this link complements these projects.

Visit YourSay for further information.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the City of Adelaide John Rau

The Market to Riverbank Laneways link will be a huge boost for businesses in the precinct, and now the public can view the artist’s impressions for themselves.

It also builds on the State Government’s Vibrant City agenda, which has helped make Adelaide a destination for world-class restaurants and bars.

Over 70 new venues located across Adelaide’s smallest streets and laneways have generated an estimated 800 jobs and $70 million in economic activity since the introduction of the Small Venue Licence in 2013.

Ensuring local businesses have a chance to participate in key projects in South Australia is an also important part of the state’s economic future and will help deliver broader economic and social objectives.

The Industry Participation Policy has established a strong platform to ensure that the Government can, where appropriate, promote economic contribution to the South Australian economy in the $3.8 billion in State Government contracts awarded annually and through building and construction projects in South Australia.

Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Martin Haese

Yesterday’s session provided a great opportunity for local traders and other stakeholders to learn more about a project that will energise our laneways – making them an even better destination.

Council is pleased to partner with Renewal SA on this city-shaping project and it’s pleasing that local artists can help us share the vision of what the renewal of our laneways can look like.

The revitalisation of Adelaide’s underutilised small streets and laneways is great news for the city – reinforcing the unique qualities that make Adelaide accessible, liveable and affordable.

Improvements to this important pedestrian link through the city will also encourage more investment in our CBD and help to create jobs and promote activity at both day and night.

The Market to Riverbank project will help build the momentum the city needs to continue to grow and encourage unique retailers and businesses to invest in Adelaide.

*Image is a watercolour painting artist’s impression by local artist Roderick Glen

Matt Halliwell