26 Aug, 2019

88 O’Connell Street ‘Blooms’ For Spring

A larger than life floral display will headline the start of a new program of community activities at the 88 O’Connell Street site in North Adelaide.

'Spring Blooms' will run throughout September, featuring free activities such as open-air yoga, a craft workshop and golf ‘target practice,’ alongside a striking display of huge blooms.

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the spring calendar of events was a “great example of how Council is focused on the revitalisation of our mainstreets such as O’Connell Street and the North Adelaide business precinct.”

“Spring has sprung in North Adelaide; I encourage you to visit 88 O’Connell Street and immerse yourself amongst the blooms and join in one of our many free community activities,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Meanwhile, we remain committed to developing the site in a timely manner, with Council soon considering submissions received from a global Expression of Interest process for a development partner.

The “Spring Blooms” events coincide with the opening of a temporary car park on the site, comprising a total of 60 car parking spaces, including one reserved for holders of a disability permit.

Users will be able to stay for up to four hours. The car parks will be free of charge and will be monitored.

“This is not a permanent car park. In keeping with the current development approval, car park use will be ancillary to Council’s program of ongoing activations,” the Lord Mayor said.

Car park use will be supportive to Council’s ongoing program of events, in keeping with the current development approval.

In May, Council agreed to conduct an Expression of Interest process to determine whether there was an opportunity for a specialist events organiser to activate the 88 O’Connell Street site for a prolonged period.

Council administration is currently reviewing submissions and plans to present a recommendation to Councillors in the near future.

Simon Latimer