20 June, 2017

Market to Riverbank link paving the way for local economy

Joint Release

Locally-sourced granite pavers for Bank Street and Topham Mall North will soon be installed, marking a key milestone in the highly anticipated $14.6 million transformation of key laneways in Adelaide.

The contract to supply the granite pavers has been awarded to Urbanstone which has local offices in South Australia, and is committed to using South Australian products and manufacturing.

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

The manufacturing and processing of the granite into pavers, kerbing and seating will be undertaken in South Australia by well-known stone masons and local business S.D. Tillett Memorials Pty Ltd and will see a direct economic contribution to South Australia.

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 Riverbank precinct.

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 focus of the Market to Riverbank link will be to provide a key city connection, promote economic vitality and enhance each laneway’s unique character with flexible public spaces. It also aims to create destinations and a ‘sense of place’ throughout the laneways network.

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.

With the City of Adelaide also looking into ways to improve and enhance the Market District, and with its plans to redevelop the Central Market Arcade in the years ahead, upgrading this link complements these projects.

Visit www.vibrantadelaide.com.au and YourSay for further information.

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

Improvements to this important pedestrian link through the city will complement the

Government’s changes to encourage more people to invest in our CBD.

Over 84 new venues located across Adelaide’s smallest streets and laneways have generated an estimated 1000 jobs and $80 million in economic activity since the introduction of the Small Venue Licence in 2013.

Ensuring local businesses have a chance to participate in key projects in South Australia is an important part of the state’s economic future and will help to deliver broader economic and social objectives.

Quotes attributable to the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Martin Haese

South Australia is full of talented, innovative and enthusiastic businesses which can deliver materials and services for key projects in South Australia, supporting the future economic activity of our state.

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

Our commitment to measuring economic contribution to South Australia in city projects as one of our considerations shows our willingness to invest in the innovation and future of South Australian businesses, while still ensuring that we deliver value for money and a quality product for our ratepayers.

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.

Image credit: Roderick C. Glen

Matt Halliwell