13 Jan, 2014

Revamped Victoria Square taking shape

The much anticipated new-look Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga will host its first event this week, thanks to Stage 1 of the City of Adelaide’s $28 million upgrade.

The revamped Square will be a hub for the Santos Tour Down Under, followed by the Adelaide Fringe, Royal Croquet Club, Spirit Festival, Tasting Australia, Velo-Fringe and Sorry Day.

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said there is no better time to showcase the upgrade, with two of the city’s biggest drawcards - the Santos Tour Down Under and Adelaide Fringe - set to use the Square.

“The redevelopment comes at an exciting time, on the brink of festival season, as well as the city undergoing change it hasn’t seen for decades,” Stephen said.

“It’s a public space that will not only cater for events - but also a place where visitors and locals can spend time - whether that is to eat lunch, go for a walk, relax or connect to other parts of the city.

“You are footsteps away from the Adelaide Central Market or a tram to get to other parts of the city.

“This redevelopment has not only generated jobs for our construction industry, but it will also attract more people and positive spin-off effects to this area and surrounding precincts.

“A huge amount of work has gone into a project of this scale and I’d like to personally thank everyone who has worked hard to successfully deliver Stage 1 of the redevelopment.”

Stephen also thanked city commuters and local businesses for their patience and cooperation.

Stage 1 has delivered a new lawned amphitheatre, a new road with bus and bike lanes, water play fountain, plug-and-play infrastructure, drinking fountains, toilets, bike racks, shade, lighting, seating, garden beds and trees.

The restored Three Rivers Fountain will be reinstalled in the southern end of the Square by May.

Stephen said the Square has been designed as a place for the people, while respecting and paying homage to our history, with the Central Roadway recently renamed Reconciliation Plaza. Victoria Square is the birthplace of the Aboriginal flag, flown for the first time in 1971.

The Plaza has been designed as an events space as well as a road, with the flag poles to remain in the centre of the Square. Traffic restrictions will be in place when the Plaza is closed for events.

Reconciliation Plaza will temporarily close from 14-27 January for the Santos Tour Down Under.

To plan your journey, go to www.smartmoveadelaide.com.au and www.adelaidemetro.com.au.

For more information about Victoria Square, visit www.victoriasquareadelaide.com.au

Victoria Loughhead