24 Sept, 2018

Major Improvements To City Centre

Lord Mayor Martin Haese confirmed that Council had today approved a budget of $16.96 million for the redevelopment of Gawler Place, between North Terrace and Grenfell Street.

The Lord Mayor said that the upgrade would not only beautify the area but improve pedestrian safety, while retaining easy access for emergency services, taxis and delivery vehicles.

“Gawler Place is one of the city’s busiest pedestrian streets, with thousands of people using it to transfer from public transport, access Rundle Mall or shop at its many retailers each day, with this number set to grow,” said the Lord Mayor.

“Gawler Place is 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 diverse business needs in the street.

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

“Importantly, the project will also include critical underground works to improve drainage and access to the many subterranean services.”

In 2016, a $7.85 million budget was approved for the upgrade. The concept plan was introduced in 2017 and taken through the next steps of consultation, planning and detailed design for construction.

After taking the detailed design to tender and following the early investigation works on the street, the complexities around underground services as well as managing accessibility and the construction approach were found to be more challenging than anticipated.

The Lord Mayor acknowledged the significant difference in project costs but assured rate payers that the planned works were a long-term investment in future-proofing Gawler Place as a destination for people to shop, visit and spend time for generations to come.

The Lord Mayor said the additional costs above the budgeted amount would be funded through savings from other projects and a small increase in Council’s borrowings.

“These borrowings will be managed within Council’s prudential limits as part of our long-term financial plan, and will be fully disclosed in our annual financial statements,” said the Lord Mayor.

Construction is planned to start in the first quarter of 2019 and will take 52 weeks to complete.

Matthew Halliwell