26 July, 2017

Concept design revealed for Bentham Street in the Market to Riverbank link

Today will mark another important milestone in the $14.6 million transformation of key laneways in Adelaide.

The concept design for Bentham Street in the Market to Riverbank link will be revealed today for public consultation.

The upgrade of the street will seek to balance pedestrian, cycling and vehicular traffic. The proposed design will include a reduced speed limit, kerb-less wider footpaths, public seating, lighting, public art and greening to create leafy walk ways.

The concept design represents the revitalisation of Adelaide’s underutilised small streets and laneways that will be transformed into an energising and vibrant Market to Riverbank link.

The concept design was developed as a result of the laneways consultation that was undertaken in 2016 and endorsed by the Bentham Street stakeholders.

Following the detailed design phase, Bentham Street is expecting to commence construction in late December 2017/ January 2018.

Visit https://yoursay.cityofadelaide.com.au for further information.

Background

In June 2016 the South Australian Government and City of Adelaide committed $14.6 million to transform a network of small streets and laneways between the Adelaide Central Market and the Riverbank to create a destination where communities and businesses can thrive.

The Market to Riverbank link includes Pitt Street, Bentham Street, Topham Mall, Leigh Street and Bank Street. The link connects the iconic Adelaide Central Market, one of Australia’s best loved food markets, with the developing world-class cultural and entertainment Adelaide Riverbank.

These laneways were identified as a priority for the city and a key driver for the Laneways Master Plan, along with the implementation of South Australian Government projects within the Adelaide Riverbank, including the Festival Plaza redevelopment and upgrades to Station Road.

Since the introduction of the Small Venue Licence in 2013, approximately 84 new venues have popped up across Adelaide’s laneways stimulating 1000 jobs and $80 million in economic activity.

For Bentham Street, options have been considered to achieve the street’s vision and for the long-term operation to balance and improve pedestrian access. As well as, to cater for the increased patronage that is expected from the street upgrade.

As part of the project, the southern 120 metres of Bentham Street will be converted to a one-way street allowing only southbound motor vehicle movements (except for bicycles, emergency services vehicles and City of Adelaide authorised vehicles).

The northern 20 metre section of Bentham Street between Waymouth Street and Peppers Waymouth Hotel porte-cochere exit would be retained as two-way, maintaining northbound egress from Peppers Waymouth Hotel. The existing nine on-street parking spaces will be reconfigured to include six short term parking spaces and two loading zones. Clear signage will communicate these proposed changes to the streetscape.

The Market to Riverbank link is well underway with Stage 1 commenced in Bank Street and Topham Mall North with an estimated completion time at the end of 2017. One of first major contracts was awarded to Urbanstone who are contracted to provide locally sourced granite for the Market to Riverbank link, with South Australian products and manufacturing.

The granite used on the project will be Adelaide Black from the Black Hill mine at Mannum and Balmoral Green from the Padthaway mine in the South East.

This appointment demonstrates how the State Government’s Industry Participation Policy, the principles of which have been adopted by the City of Adelaide, is promoting the use of local products through measuring economic contribution to South Australia from a government procurement activity.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the City of Adelaide John Rau

The Market to Riverbank Laneways link will be a huge boost for businesses in the precinct, and now South Australians can view the next stage with the Bentham Street concept design.

Improvements to this important pedestrian link through the City will complement changes to encourage more people to invest in our CBD.

These important connecting laneways provide a significant route for more than 15,000 pedestrians daily, with the aim of further increasing their popularity through improved pathways and new destinations.

The Market to Riverbank link will provide a key city connection, promote economic vitality and enhance each laneway’s unique character with flexible public spaces.

It also builds on the State Government’s Vibrant City agenda, which has helped make Adelaide a destination for world-class restaurants and bars.

Quotes attributable to the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Martin Haese

With construction already underway in Bank Street and Topham Mall north, today’s announcement is the next exciting step in what will be a city changing project.

The revitalisation of Adelaide’s underutilised small streets and laneways is energising our City – reinforcing the unique qualities that make Adelaide accessible, liveable and affordable.

Upgrading these links will also complement our plans to enhance the Market District and redevelop the Central Market Arcade in the future.

The City of Adelaide is partnering with Renewal SA and the State Government to ensure South Australian businesses have an opportunity to participate in all projects in the city.

The Market to Riverbank project will help build the momentum the city needs to continue to grow and encourage unique retailers and businesses to invest in Adelaide.

Simon Latimer