City of Adelaide's Victoria Square redevelopment set for end of year completion

Work on the upgrade of Adelaide City Council's central Victoria Square is set to be completed by December 2013 with the location due to host the Tour Down Under event in January 2014.

The two year, $24 million redevelopment aims to transform the Square into a lively, people-focused space for the whole community. The funding includes $23 million investment in the Square plus up to $1 million for suitable pedestrian and cyclist improvement initiatives around the corners.

Explaining the redevelopment plans, Adelaide Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood stated "Council's investment will help attract additional people to the Square, increase activity and provide support to the tram service and regular, programmed events.

"It will also enable Council to collaborate with retailers and community organisations interested in operating from the Square.

"We have listened to community feedback from the Picture Adelaide campaign, Splash Adelaide and the draft Business Plan & Budget and an overall theme is more activities and upgrades to our squares and public spaces."

The redevelopment is creating a large event space and stage in the northern end of the Square capable of accommodating up to 7,000 people plus an upgrade of the central roadway to be transformed into a plaza for large events. A generous promenade with seating terraces and shelter will also be provided as well as shaded walkways, furniture, a water play feature and landscaping, with tree and garden beds.

A café will be installed near the event lawn and a café / kiosk will be also put in the southern end near the tram stop.

The recently state heritage listed Three Rivers Fountain and Queen Victoria statue will be refurbished and relocated within the Square.

Other features of the original Master Plan including a tram line and road reconfiguration, a large urban garden and the proposed Kaurna Culture Centre will be staged as further funding becomes available.

Deputy Lord Mayor David Plumridge believes that the transformed Victoria Square "will help attract people into the centre of the city and will bring increased business to other precincts."

For further information on the Victoria Square Masterplan visit www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/development/victoria-square-tarndanyangga

14th September 2012 - DOUBLE WIN FOR 2012 SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER

8th October 2009 - OVERHAUL FOR ADELAIDE’S VICTORIA SQUARE