17 Apr, 2015

Victoria Square Remediation Finishes Early

Remediation of Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga has been completed a week earlier than expected, allowing workers to remove the fences early this morning.

For public safety, fences were erected on the 23rd March around the lawn at the northern end of Victoria Square to allow large equipment onto the site. Workers then removed existing damaged turf, raised the soil level and applied fertiliser and soil conditioner before laying 2,600m2 of turf (kikuyu – Pennisetum clandestinum). The fences also allowed time for the new turf to become established.

Remediation of the lawn in the southern area is also complete. The work involved preparing 4,600m2 of new turf to blend in with the existing turf.

Throughout the remediation process, the urban lounges, promenades, northern tip, terraces and paths continued to be open and accessible to the public.

City of Adelaide’s Public Realm Executive Manager, Tom McCready, said the unexpected warm weather coupled with good rain has meant the turf has established well at the site.

“This period, in Autumn or Spring, is prime time for the installation of turf, helping it quickly become established at Victoria Square.

“Remediation of Victoria Square was undertaken by City of Adelaide’s horticulture team in conjunction with contractors.

“Remediation is undertaken in collaboration with event organisers to minimise the impact on the Park Lands and the city’s squares with the aim to reduce remediation and or maintenance cost.

“One example is the Garden of Unearthly Delights which has used Rundle Park for more than a decade during the Fringe Festival. Over the past two to three years, the organisers have reduced their remediation cost by more than half by managing their site using best horticulture practice.

“ That’s something we as the Park Lands custodians take very seriously to ensure our parks and public spaces are kept at their best for everyone to enjoy,” said Tom McCready.

Victoria Square will be used almost immediately following the removal of the fences with local musicians, Vincent’s Chair, holding a free concert today between 4-6pm as part of ACC’s Music in the Square project.

Catherine Kennedy