08 June, 2016

City Helipad a Step Closer to Reality

City of Adelaide has commenced an expression of interest process for a permanent commercial helicopter landing site (helipad) to be established in the central city area.

Currently, the main commercial helipad servicing Adelaide’s central business district is located on the western side of Adelaide Airport.

Council has no funding set aside for the development of a permanent helipad facility, so seeks expressions of interest in the development and operations of such a facility from the private sector including operators, developers and investors.

Councillor Houssam Abiad said the central aim of the expression of interest process is to gauge the level of interest in establishing a permanent helipad in the city, as well as its commercial viability to operate as a stand-alone business.

“I’m delighted that a helipad in the city is now a step closer to reality as I’ve advocated for a helipad to be established in the city for many months now,” said Houssam.

“A permanent commercial helipad is an important component of a growing city like Adelaide, to service the needs of business and tourism.

“Tourism is a major driver of the city economy and I’ve got no doubt that the installation of a helipad would help boost our tourist numbers.

“A city location would enable scenic and business flights to depart from a location close to the CBD, rather than having to access Adelaide Airport some 10 kilometres away.

“Short helicopter trips directly from the city to areas like the Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island and the Barossa Valley could soon become a reality, and that’s exciting news.”

There are currently two permanent city helipads used for emergency services only; these are located at the Old Royal Adelaide Hospital site in Adelaide’s East End and the New Royal Adelaide Hospital in Adelaide’s West End. Council also currently permits temporary landings in the Adelaide Park Lands.

Council is interested in working with any parties that are able to adequately demonstrate capability and experience in building and operating a commercial helipad facility. Council requests that any interested parties write to Council with their initial proposals by Wednesday, 20 July 2016.

Find out more here

Matt Hallliwell