08 Nov, 2013

New-look Rundle Mall unveiled in time for Christmas

Truffles, Horatio, Oliver and Augusta – Rundle Mall’s renowned ‘pigs’ – have returned to their renovated home in time for Christmas, as part of City of Adelaide’s $25 million redevelopment.

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said the first two stages of the Rundle Mall upgrade, from King William Street to Gawler Place, are nearing completion in time for the busy Christmas trading period.

He said this includes the return of Adelaide’s much-loved ‘pigs’ – Truffles (standing pig), Horatio (sitting pig), Oliver (bin pig) and Augusta (trotting pig) – ‘A Day Out’ art installation that is a favourite of visitors to the Mall.

“Stages one and two showcase a new boulevard that opens up the mall, providing better sight of retail outlets and heritage facades, together with more space for people to relax and enjoy events as well as plug-and-play vendors,” Stephen said.

“It couldn’t have been delivered at a better time with the Ashes weeks away, AFL coming to the city next year, and major projects such as the Victoria Square upgrade nearing the finish line. We hope these opportunities will in turn attract more visitors to the Mall and surrounding areas.

“I’d like to genuinely thank traders and the community for their patience during the project, as well as acknowledge the work of all who helped to make this happen - particularly head contractor CATCON and lead design firm HASSELL.”

Rundle Mall Management Authority chief executive, Ian Darbyshire, also thanked traders for their support, and looks forward to the benefits that the upgraded Mall will bring to the precinct.

“Rundle Mall is Adelaide’s premier shopping destination and is home to more than 700 retailers, 15 arcades and centres together with four leading department stores,” he said.

“Whilst the Stage one development works have caused some disruption, it has been business as usual throughout, with the Rundle Mall retailers doing well to stay focused on the end goal; a beautiful new Mall with unencumbered sightlines and modern urban elements.

“Christmas is obviously an important time of year for the retail community, so we are happy to see the removal of hoarding in preparation for a successful Christmas period in Rundle Mall.”

Works are set to resume in January, east from Gawler Place towards Pulteney Street, with the project anticipated to be completed by October 2014. The next stages will see the installation of a new Gawler Place event area and canopy.

Stephen said applications for the Council’s $5 million Innovation Fund, which aims to activate the precinct’s laneways and unused buildings, are being shortlisted with some great ideas received.

“The new-look Rundle Mall is set to feature a mixture of the old and new, with icons such as the the ‘Mall Balls’ set to stay, while new additions to include drinking fountains, lighting and bike racks,” he said.

"Millions of dollars has also been invested underground, including new stormwater and fibre optic services, to future-proof the Mall.”

The upgrade has so far delivered more than 20,000 new pavers during stages one and two, with up to 12,000 square metres of paving to be installed by the completion of stage five.

For more information, visit www.rundlemallmasterplan.com

Victoria Loughhead