14 June, 2013

This little piggy went…into storage!

The iconic Rundle Mall “Pigs” have been rounded up and taken away for some careful restoration and storage while redevelopment works progress down Rundle Mall.

Truffles (the standing pig), Horatio (the sitting pig), Oliver (the pig at the bin) and Augusta (the trotting pig) will all be returned back to the same area in Rundle Mall later this year.

“Don’t panic – the pigs haven’t gone walk-about, they have just been taken away for a well-deserved rest and a feed,” said Tom McCready, Council’s Program Manager for Public Realm and Rundle Mall Project Sponsor.

“I’m pleased to report that all four pigs were very well-behaved as we herded them on to the truck last night and they will be carefully attended to by expert pig minders (aka artists) while they are on holiday!”

The Bronze Sculptures are formally named ‘A Day Out’ and were created by world renowned artist Marguerite Derricourt. They were commissioned by City of Adelaide as part of the final phase of the last upgrade of Rundle Mall and were unveiled by the former Lord Mayor, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith on 3 July 1999.

Rundle Mall Management Authority CEO Ian Darbyshire expressed his well wishes to the pigs while they take a little break.

“I hope all four pigs have a lovely time, frolicking in the mud and doing what pigs do! They will come back to Rundle Mall refreshed and recuperated later this year,” Ian said.

“Keep your eye out…as you never know when the pigs may show up!” he added.

City of Adelaide’s $30m Redevelopment of Rundle Mall is progressing to schedule, with the first stage (up to Gawler Place) due for completion by November this year. The work will then recommence in early 2014 after the Christmas and New Year sales, and will be finished by the end of next year.
As with any construction activity of this scale, there will of course be some construction noise, dust and vibration. Council is working closely with the Head Contractor, CATCON, to keep disruptions to a minimum, with the most disruptive works being done at night.

During the course of the redevelopment, further information and updates will be available on the Rundle Mall Masterplan website.

Naomi Marsj