Revamped Victoria Square taking shape as events hub

Adelaide's much anticipated new-look Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga has already hosted its first event - the Santos Tour Down Under.

Now the first stage of the City of Adelaide's $28 million upgrade will also be a hub for 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 - using the Square.

Lord Mayor Yarwood explained "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.

"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.

Lord Mayor Yarwood said the Square has been designed as a place for the people, while respecting and paying homage to its heritage, with the Central Roadway recently renamed Reconciliation Plaza. Victoria Square is also 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.

For more information go to www.victoriasquareadelaide.com.au

16th July 2013 - CITY OF ADELAIDE’S VICTORIA SQUARE REDEVELOPMENT SET FOR END OF YEAR COMPLETION