Melbourne Street Revitalisation
Project Status
Construction Phase
Latest project update - July 2026
Stage 1 works progressing
Works on Stage 1 of the Melbourne Street Revitalisation are progressing, with construction of the new wombat crossings moving into the next stage.
From Monday 13 July, temporary traffic arrangements will be in place for approximately six weeks while the new wombat crossings are constructed. These arrangements are required to enable the works to be carried out safely and efficiently while maintaining access through the precinct.
During this time:
- All outbound city traffic will be detoured at all times.
- Outbound bus services will operate on adjusted routes, with temporary bus stops in place.
- Melbourne Street businesses will remain open, with pedestrian access and access to properties maintained throughout the works.
Keeping these traffic arrangements in place 24 hours a day allows construction to be completed safely and as efficiently as possible, helping minimise the overall duration of the works.
The new wombat crossings will improve pedestrian safety and accessibility and form Stage 1 of the broader Melbourne Street Revitalisation project. This stage is supported by a $600,000 contribution through the Australian Government's National Road Safety Program, delivered in partnership with the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
Why are we doing this?
The City of Adelaide has identified the Melbourne Street Revitalisation Project as part of its Main Streets Revitalisation Program.
Melbourne Street serves as an important northern gateway to the city and is a distinctive main street within North Adelaide, celebrated for its mix of hospitality venues, boutique shops, medical services, and heritage character.
The Melbourne Street Revitalisation Project has been allocated $6.5 million in new and upgrade funding, supported by additional renewal budgets and external funding from the Government of South Australia.
The aim of the project is to strengthen Melbourne Street’s identity as a vibrant destination and create an attractive environment that supports local businesses, residents, and visitors.
About the project
Located in North Adelaide, Melbourne Street has long been valued for its diverse mix of cafés, restaurants, specialist medical practices, and boutique retailers. However, in recent years the street has faced challenges, including aging infrastructure, limited pedestrian space, and business turnover.
The revitalisation project will deliver targeted improvements that reflect the community’s vision for Melbourne Street as an appealing destination of choice - known for its polish, artisan experiences, and vibrant dining culture to the east, complemented by professional and specialist services to the west.
Community input gathered through the 2022 consultation helped shape the Melbourne Street Master Plan. This plan identifies community priorities for the street as:
- Create a unique brand and identity
- Curate the business and commercial mix
- Refresh the public realm
- Accessibility
- Introduce more vibrancy and creative connections
What are we doing?
Implementation of the master plan is occurring in stages.
Short-term activation improvement works on Melbourne Street
Following the establishment of the master plan in 2022, the Government of South Australia supported the City of Adelaide with a $1m grant funding which focused on enhancing and activating the street. Works include:
- Rationalisation of street furniture - completed
- Temporary footpath extension - completed
- Entry Statement Banner Brackets - completed
- Festoon lights - completed
- Suspended planter boxes - completed
- Dunn St car park sign – in progress
For further details, please visit the Melbourne Street Improvement Works page.
Wombat crossings
To kick-start capital improvement works, the Government of South Australia, through the National Road Safety Program, has provided a $600,000 contribution for the construction of wombat crossings at both the eastern and western ends of Melbourne Street.
The City of Adelaide is finalising contractor procurement, with construction scheduled for completion in 2026. Consultation was completed in 2023, with strong overall community support expressed for both proposed wombat crossings on Melbourne Street.
Streetscape upgrade
Stage 2 will deliver broader streetscape upgrades aligned with asset renewal priorities and the actions identified in the master plan.
Concept design development is now underway, ensuring proposals reflect community expectations and available budget parameters.
When are we doing it?
- Late 2025: Short-term activation works near completion
- Early 2026: Construction of wombat crossings begins
- Early 2026: Council review and endorsement of streetscape upgrade concept design
- Early 2026: Community engagement on proposed improvements
- Mid–Late 2026: Design development
- 2027–28: Procurement and staged construction to minimise disruption
Community engagement has been central to the Melbourne Street Revitalisation Project. The 2022 engagement process shaped the project’s design principles and master plan.
Additional feedback gathered through the temporary footpath extensions and wombat crossings is now being reviewed to help refine the Streetscape upgrade concept design.
Once concept designs are finalised, the community will again be invited to provide feedback.
Visit Our Adelaide to give your feedback once consultation opens.
Need more information?
For more information, please contact:
For enquiries in relation to the wombat crossings, please contact: