[COM] Rundle Mall Redevelopment | $30m

[Reb-L]

I can't believe this; why spend $50m on changing something that is basically OK when there are so many neglected parts of the city? I don't know how many times the pavers have been changed in the mall because I've never noticed much difference to what was there before. Something that is noticeable however is the kiosks, gelati and flower stalls in the middle. They add life and character to the mall as do the food places, fountain and the pigs. They are the things people like, especially if there is some leafy canopy above on a hot day. I haven't met anybody who went there to get a clear 'sight-line' nor have I heard any concern about the mall being too 'cluttered' (does that assume that people can only walk in a straight line?). If these were major issues maybe we should relocate the whole thing to Wakefield St?

[Nathan]

I disagree. Whilst I think doing the full Victoria Sq plan should be a higher priority, I think the plans for the mall look like a welcome improvement. It will make the mall a much more refreshing and welcoming space at night, and if they do follow through with re-invigorating some of the laneways off the mall, then it will be a much better precinct.

[pushbutton]

The entertainment options are interesting. What kinds of businesses would you suggest we try to attract to the area? (Remember that a reimagined Regent Cinema is already on the cards.)

Anything that is fun! Similar to the sort of attractions found in Surfers Paradise in Cavill Mall.

[ml69]

The entertainment options are interesting. What kinds of businesses would you suggest we try to attract to the area? (Remember that a reimagined Regent Cinema is already on the cards.)

Anything that is fun! Similar to the sort of attractions found in Surfers Paradise in Cavill Mall.

What do they have there that is fun? From what I remember when I was there about 4 yrs ago is that there is more outdoor dining (which suits their weather well).

[claybro]

Brisbanes Mall has a really nice outdoor bar, with tables spilling onto the mall, a real open feel not all closed off behind plastic walls like our current cafe, great place for a beer and to take in the passing sights.

[SRW]

One thing they seem to have overlooked in this plan to try to open the middle of the Mall is that most people walk to the sides closest the shops to escape the Sun. I've noticed this the past few days, people seek the shade. And when it's raining they seek the shelter. Shifting stuff out of the "road" will only help motor traffic navigate the pedestrial mall.

That said, I'm looking forward to the other improvements.

That's been my one reservation with this masterplan too. I really do hope they're right and I'm wrong. Luckily, the redevelopment will still be significant improvement to the overall public realm either way.

[Reb-L]

Brisbanes Mall has a really nice outdoor bar, with tables spilling onto the mall, a real open feel not all closed off behind plastic walls like our current cafe, great place for a beer and to take in the passing sights.

Brisbane's Mall has bars and cafe's down the middle - that's what the latest plans for Rundle Mall want to bulldoze.

[Waewick]

Brisbanes Mall has a really nice outdoor bar, with tables spilling onto the mall, a real open feel not all closed off behind plastic walls like our current cafe, great place for a beer and to take in the passing sights.

Brisbane's Mall has bars and cafe's down the middle - that's what the latest plans for Rundle Mall want to bulldoze.

yep, we'll bulldoze them this year, then in 5 years rebuild everything to make the place look busy.

[mshagg]

Agreed that the kiosks/cafes contribute positively... but certainly not the ones located near either end of the mall. King William st entrance and the visitor centre looks particularly uninviting.

That said, I dont think having the centrally located kiosks etc is at all compatible with what they're going for.

Love that Charles St is getting some attention. Being almost entirely undercover gives the street huge potential, but in reality it's dark, smells like an exhaust pipe and is generally uninviting.

[[Shuz]]

I believe the approach they've taken with the Mall is going a bit far. There's no need for this 'clear-line-of-sight' strategy. It's only positive contirbution is that of a visual element, but disrupts everything else. I do admit that any upgrade will be an improvement on what is already there - however, in my view, things are perfectly fine the way they are. I like the kiosks and stalls and everything in between - everything's fine except the area around the Gawler Street intersection, and they should open up the cafes at either end (they're a bit closed in).

If people really were serious about not going to the Mall, it would be evident - vacant and closed shops, lack of activity, etc. The fact is that there's already significant private investment and appeal in the mall - 70 something new shops to open in March, healthy changeover of shops (if one closes, another seems to go in its place). I went shopping in the days leading up to Christmas and I have never ever seen it as busy as it was recently. The only need for public investment in the mall is when we start seeing closed shop signs and it literally being completely dead after 5pm. This is far from the case.

[Nathan]

From the masterplan FAQ:

What about the fruit and veg kiosks and restaurants – why are they being removed?

• Stage 1 of the redevelopment includes plans to remove and/or relocate the existing kiosks and end-restaurants in order to improve sight-lines to neighbouring retail stores and create more space
• This is also being done to open up the Mall, provide improved access for emergency services vehicles (such as fire trucks) and freight /delivery trucks etc
• Fruit and flowers remain important to Rundle Mall’s retail mix and facilities for people selling flowers and fruit will feature in the new plans
• The permanent structures down the centre of the Mall will be replaced with moveable, portable activities and vendors
• Council is working closely with each of the impacted traders and assisting them in looking at a range of options including alternative sites for relocation within the Rundle Mall precinct
• Some of the options include sleeve retailing, relocation to primary laneways or repositioning as pop-up shops in key areas of the precinct
• Rundle Mall is a bit of a ‘race track’ and people have been known to be knocked over as they come out of the shops. This new plan will ‘slow Rundle Mall down’ and make it a more enjoyable place to spend time
• Providing greater access for Emergency Services vehicles is becoming a priority
• Because the freight trucks have to currently travel along the flanks of the Mall (in the mornings before 10.30am), they have to compete with pedestrian traffic and this can be dangerous. Freight trucks have also been known to hit the shop awnings and signage
• This new design enables a lot more seating to be placed in Rundle Mall
• This new design enables a lot more trees to be planted on Rundle Mall
• This new design will make it easier to window shop on Rundle Mall

[monotonehell]

[*]Providing greater access for Emergency Services vehicles is becoming a priority
[*]Because the freight trucks have to currently travel along the flanks of the Mall (in the mornings before 10.30am), they have to compete with pedestrian traffic and this can be dangerous. Freight trucks have also been known to hit the shop awnings and signage

Like I said.

[pushbutton]

The entertainment options are interesting. What kinds of businesses would you suggest we try to attract to the area? (Remember that a reimagined Regent Cinema is already on the cards.)

Anything that is fun! Similar to the sort of attractions found in Surfers Paradise in Cavill Mall.

What do they have there that is fun? From what I remember when I was there about 4 yrs ago is that there is more outdoor dining (which suits their weather well).

http://www.ripleys.com/surfersparadise/
https://www.draculas.com.au/haunted-house
http://www.infinitygc.com.au/
http://waxmuseum.com.au/

Doesn't necessarily have to be these exact things though. Just ideas.
Other possibilities would be Legoland, an indoor amusement park like Dazzleland (but obviously much better managed), IMAX cinemas, or almost anything really. I'm sure there must be enough people in Adelaide with the imagination and business acumen to come up with something really exciting to draw people to Rundle Mall from all over SA and much further afield. I'm certainly not talking about more shops or cafes!

[Nathan]

That all seems incredibly tacky and kitschy. Might work for Gold Coast, but completely wrong for Rundle Mall - where they're trying to attract a higher quality of retail (new Kmart not withstanding).

[pushbutton]

Well I think with more and more people shopping online, shopping centres of all types need far more than just high quality retail if they want to thrive in the long term.

High quality retail will certainly not attract me to visit any shopping centre.