O'Connell Street Revitalisation
Project status
Construction
About the project
The City of Adelaide is revitalising O’Connell Street to create a safer, greener and more welcoming main street for residents, businesses and visitors.
As one of North Adelaide’s key main streets, O’Connell Street plays an important role in supporting local businesses, community life and movement through the precinct. The revitalisation will enhance the public realm through upgrades to footpaths, lighting, landscaping, street furniture and greening, creating a more attractive and accessible street environment.
The project is designed to support a vibrant main street experience, improve pedestrian amenity, and create a more welcoming environment for people to walk, visit and spend time in North Adelaide, while respecting the established character of the area.
The revitalisation will be delivered in stages to help manage impacts while these improvements are completed.
Early construction works
Construction is commencing on the first stage of the O’Connell Street revitalisation project, marking an important milestone in the long-term renewal of one of North Adelaide’s most important main streets.
The first stage of works will begin in June 2026 on the western side of O’Connell Street between Archer Street and Tynte Street. This will mainly comprise of footpath, kerb, and street furniture replacement.
Construction is expected to take approximately 12 weeks, subject to weather and site conditions.
What we heard from the community
The revitalisation of O’Connell Street has been shaped over several years through strategic planning, community engagement and Council decision-making.
The O’Connell Street Master Plan, endorsed in 2021, established the long-term vision for the street as a safer, more vibrant and accessible main street that supports business activity, community connection and public life.
Community feedback throughout the development of the project highlighted the importance of creating a safer, more welcoming and accessible main street while maintaining O’Connell Street’s established character and supporting local businesses.
Key themes raised included improving pedestrian safety, increasing greenery and shade, upgrading lighting, enhancing accessibility and creating a more attractive public realm. These priorities have helped shape the revitalisation approach and continue to inform the delivery of improvements along O’Connell Street.
At its meeting on 26 August 2025, Council resolved to progress the O’Connell Street revitalisation project.
As the project has progressed, the City has continued to keep businesses, residents and stakeholders informed through project updates and targeted engagement to support design development and delivery planning.
What to expect during construction
Construction will be delivered in sections to help maintain access and reduce disruption where possible.
This first stage focuses on public realm improvements and upgrades to the pedestrian environment.
Works will include:
- renewal of the western footpath
- kerb replacement
- upgraded paving to match the eastern side of O’Connell Street
- new street furniture
- additional seating
-
new ground-level planting
Access to businesses
Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained during trading hours wherever possible.
Where temporary access changes are required, affected businesses will be contacted directly by the construction team in advance.
Traffic and parking
Temporary traffic management measures may include:
- lane restrictions on the north-bound lane
- reduced speed limits through the work area
- temporary removal of on-street parking within the active construction zone.
Signage will be in place to support safe movement for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
Public transport
Bus Stop 4 will be temporarily relocated while works are underway nearby.
The stop may move slightly closer to North Adelaide Village or towards Tynte Street depending on construction staging, with safe passenger access maintained at all times.
Noise and dust
Some construction noise is expected, including the use of machinery and excavation equipment.
Dust suppression measures will be used to reduce impacts where possible.
Loading and deliveries
The loading zone outside North Adelaide Village will be temporarily unavailable during construction.
Businesses with specific loading or delivery requirements will be able to discuss arrangements directly with the contractor as works progress.
Alternative loading zone locations can be viewed on this interactive parking map.
What's happening next
The project is now moving into construction.
As works approach, we will:
- Provide updates to directly impacted businesses and properties
- Share with the community the construction timing, access arrangements and what to expect
- Update this page with key milestones and project information
To stay informed about the O’Connell Street revitalisation project, click the button below
Project Updates
Community engagement has played an important role in shaping the O’Connell Street revitalisation project. Previous engagement, including development of the O’Connell Street Master Plan and subsequent project updates, helped inform priorities for a safer, greener and more accessible main street that supports local businesses and community activity.
As the project has progressed, the City has continued to keep businesses, residents and stakeholders informed through targeted engagement and project updates.
Visit Our Adelaide to view previous engagement and project background.