30 July, 2014

Fountain Lights Up Revamped Victoria Square

The Three Rivers Fountain is lighting up the revamped Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, capping off the final phase of $28 million Stage One works as part of the master plan vision for the square.

The heritage-listed fountain has been relocated from the north to the south of the square, following the completion of the redevelopment of the northern section and Reconciliation Plaza in January.

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said the improved space has already hosted a range of major and community events, including the Santos Tour Down Under, Adelaide Fringe, Royal Croquet Club, Spirit Festival and Tasting Australia.

“Victoria Square has become a people friendly place with the community embracing the revamped square. It is attracting users of all ages,” he said.

“Thanks to the redevelopment, the square has not only attracted locals and tourists to the area, but is also creating jobs and is encouraging people to visit nearby businesses and attractions such as the Central Markets.

“The Royal Croquet Club alone employed around 300 South Australians; generated more than $3 million in business and attracted approximately 100,000 people, with about 50,000 meals served.

“More recently - for the first time - Tasting Australia created an eight day festival with more than 50,000 people visiting ‘Town Square’, bringing the regions to the city as well as tourists.

“We also saw around 50,000 people visit the City of Adelaide Tour Village and Bike Expo during the Santos Tour Down Under - making it the largest bike expo in Australia which is fantastic.

“The Square has also hosted smaller events, such as free totem tennis in the square as well as family orientated activities, which are also drawing people to the square and the precinct.

“The community can look forward to more activities for the remainder of the year. We are also considering funding opportunities and options to progress future stages of the master plan."

Sculptured and designed by John Dowie, the fountain represents the Murray, Onkaparinga and Torrens rivers and was the first major civic artwork in Adelaide to recognise our Aboriginal culture.

The fountain was built to commemorate the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1963 and was ‘switched on’ by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1968.

For everything inside the Square: victoriasquareadelaide.com or #VicSq

Victoria Loughhead