18 May, 2017

Concept designs for Gawler Place upgrade released for consultation

The City of Adelaide has today released concept plans for the upgrade of Gawler Place, between North Terrace and Grenfell Street, for community engagement.

The upgrade is a direct outcome of the 2010/11 Rundle Mall Master Plan and is a key priority in the City of Adelaide 2016-2020 Strategic Plan, with Council approving $7.85 million for the upgrade.

City of Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Haese said that the upgrade would not only beautify the area but also provide safer access to pedestrians while also retaining essential services and vehicle access to the street.

“Gawler Place is one of the city’s busiest pedestrian streets, with around nine and half thousand people using the northern side and around sixteen thousand people using the southern side every day. This number is only set to grow.

“Both sides are used by city workers, tourists, delivery and private vehicles, taxis, people accessing car parks and accessible parking, so it is vital that this upgrade caters to all of these users and supports the businesses needs in the street.

“The upgraded Gawler Place will provide a beautiful, high quality space with widened footpaths, new paving, greening and lighting.

“As an extension of Rundle Mall - which has over 400,000 visitors every week – it will become an important link to the transport corridor of Grenfell Street, the new tram stop on North Terrace, the recently completed ANZAC Memorial Walk on Kintore Avenue, and the cultural boulevard of North Terrace.”

This project has been championed by Rundle Mall Management Authority (RMMA) board member and Councillor Natasha Malani.

“Positioned at the heart of Rundle Mall, Gawler Place is central to the Precinct and vital to its success,” Councillor Malani said.

RMMA General Manager, Amanda Grocock is supportive of the upgrade and believes it will provide significant benefits to retailers, businesses and visitors to the Rundle Mall Precinct.

“Council’s investment in this project is to be congratulated and I look forward to being able to welcome people who visit, shop and work in Gawler Place into a more contemporary and user friendly space,” Amanda said.

Construction is planned to start in January 2018 and will take six to eight months to complete.

To view the concept design and provide feedback, go to yoursay.cityofadelaide.com.au

Image: Artist impression of Gawler Place Upgrade North, showing the connection to Rundle Mall.

Paula Stevens