14 June, 2016

Wakefield Street Gets a Greener Look

Lush trees and landscaping have transformed Wakefield Street into an oasis of green, with the final touches underway to complete the greening from the top of Wakefield Street to Gawler Place.

Eighteen new mature trees and over 200 new shrubs have been planted, with plantings inspired by the strong connection to Victoria Square and the geometry of Reconciliation Plaza.

The project is part of Council’s commitment in the Draft City of Adelaide 2016-2020 Strategic Plan and 2016-2017 Integrated Business Plan to increase greening of the city, and is guided by the Adelaide Design Manual and Council’s $1 million Greening Program.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said Council’s ongoing commitment to greening the city has a range of environmental benefits, but also plays an important role in shaping public spaces and how they are used.

“Providing shade for pedestrians, cooling the environment and improving air quality are some of the many benefits for increasing greening in our city and the Wakefield Street greening contributes towards helping Council reaching its carbon neutral targets,” said Martin.

“In addition, greening can add vibrancy to our public spaces and enhance the city by providing attractive and comfortable spaces for people to shop, relax, socialise and connect with each other.

“The Wakefield Street median planting is an important step in creating a greener and more liveable city.”

The Wakefield Street median planting project is guided by Council’s newly released Adelaide Design Manual, launched in February 2016, which provides a toolkit for the design of public space.

Daniel Bennett, Associate Director of Council’s Design and Strategy team, said the greening of Wakefield Street median is part of a number of projects for City of Adelaide, with a focus on greening.

“Wakefield Street is one of many projects that implements the principles and approaches of the Adelaide Design Manual,” said Daniel.

“Good quality streets for all people has to include greening and cooling the city. Projects like Wakefield Street’s new landscape are fundamental to creating a better quality of life, and a city that is climate resilient and adaptable to future needs.”

Council’s Draft 2016-2017 Integrated Business Plan outlines a further $2.4 million towards the Greener Streets Program. For more information on Adelaide Design Manual greening projects, visit: adelaidedesignmanual.com.au/resources/projects.

Matt Hallliwell