[COM] Victoria Square Upgrade - $24m

[SRW]

Ok guys I have another uncosted and most likely unviable alternative to the problem of traffic

why not sink all 4 roads leading into the sqaure (which would result in the likely closure of Franklin and Gouger street onto vic square)

this way instead of having to build over passes you retain the stop lights its just they are 5 metres below ground level with the whole to be covered by a pedestrian stregth covering removing the need to have extended ramps and supports?

the only problem I see is the tram....oh and the cost in digging down 2 major roads

Underpasses are just as problematic as overpasses in terms of cost and alienation...and all for what? A minute or two off your travel time? Really, these ideas for under/overpasses in the square are solutions looking for a problem.

But back to actual proposal, does anyone know when we can expect feedback on the feedback (ie, updated plans)?

[Wayno]

But back to actual proposal, does anyone know when we can expect feedback on the feedback (ie, updated plans)?

The ACC acknowledged receipt of our submission, and it's gone into the mix (alongside the 100+ other responses they received from the general public) for consideration.

I don't expect the ACC to respond to our submission - instead we'll need to be on the lookout for any adjustments to the VSQ plans as a result of the overall public feedback.

I'm also not sure about timeframes. Your best bet is to subscribe here to receive progress updates and news.

[Nort]

Going from the state government quotes on the matter I'm really thinking that this plan is going to end up scrapped. There is no way that the council can afford it by itself.

[SRW]

From Councillor Plumridge's newsletter:

(Item 3.1) Victoria Square/Tarndanyangga The Committee considered the 192 formal submissions received in the public consultation & recommended to Council that they be used to inform the next stage of the design. The majority of consultation submissions express support for the draft Masterplan’s proposed features, uses and activities further validating the results of the market research undertaken as part of the Future Uses Study.
The main findings of the public consultation process were:
• 84% supported the proposed features with 46% supporting all features; • 82% supported the proposed uses and activities with 56% supporting all uses and activities; • The majority of responses (63%) addressed other themes besides the proposed features (30%) and uses and activities (7%); • The main response themes related to proposed features focused on the event spaces (30%), gardens (23%), café/kiosks (16%), grand arbours (14%) and the bicycle hub (10%). • The main response themes related to proposed uses and activities focused on events (38%), outdoor cinema (29%), outdoor dining (24%) and passive recreation (9%). • The main other response themes focused on traffic (28%), the overall design (20%), access (13%), general comments/suggestions (11%) and project cost (10%). • The most common single comment was about creating an E/W tunnel beneath the Square which the Committee has had to dismiss on the grounds of cost.

[skyliner]

Going from the state government quotes on the matter I'm really thinking that this plan is going to end up scrapped. There is no way that the council can afford it by itself.

I am not usually negative with anything Adelaide, but looking at SRW's post with your comment I think there could at least a fair delay - the longer the more likely for more changes and costs - hence scrap.

ADELAIDE - TOWARDS A GREATER CITY SKYLINE

[Nort]

Going from the state government quotes on the matter I'm really thinking that this plan is going to end up scrapped. There is no way that the council can afford it by itself.

I am not usually negative with anything Adelaide, but looking at SRW's post with your comment I think there could at least a fair delay - the longer the more likely for more changes and costs - hence scrap.

ADELAIDE - TOWARDS A GREATER CITY SKYLINE

I don't consider it being negative to voice skepticism it will go ahead. It's a good plan, the council is obviously sincere about it, and if the state government has to choose between Victoria Square and riverside development it's a pretty easy decision. It's not overly negative if the reason something can't be done is that there is going to be too much development going on in the near future.

[skyliner]

It is'nt. I was stating that opinion about myself in the context of what I post, not relative anybody else. Sorry for inferences incurred.

On the plan itself IMO it is much better than at present. No plan is perfect. Some elements I would change, like a tower in the middle (with restuarant deck) straddling Grote/Wakefield, but still V effective as it is.

ADELAIDE - TOWARDS A GREATER CITY SKYLINE

[Will]

It is really dissapointing to read that the ACC has not lobbied the major political parties for funding fir the Victoria Square upgrade. With the porkbarreling that occurs during elections, one would have thought they would have jumped at the chance to secure some of the $76 million shortfall for the project.

From the Messenger:

Victoria Square deal sought

Council22 Jul 10 @ 12:01pm by Emily Charrison

KEY contenders in the federal election have not been asked to commit funds towards the Victoria Square redevelopment, though the City Council has so far secured just a quarter of the necessary $100 million.

Lord Mayor Michael Harbison said he hoped whoever won the August 21 election would provide funding for the overhaul.

“The Labor Government has certainly shown a lot of interest in urban renewal and urban infrastructure projects like Victoria Square, and we’re hoping the Opposition will do the same,” he said.

The council has budgeted $24 million over the next three years and the State Government contributed $2 million for a design study.

The council is still unsure how much it wants either the State or Federal governments to chip in.

“We don’t have a figure on what we’re expecting from the Feds but we are certainly hoping for something,” Mr Harbison said.

“It really depends on how much the state puts in.”

None of the main candidates would commit to funding when approached last week by the City Messenger.

In an email, sitting Labor member Kate Ellis promised to “always explore” and “fight for funding opportunities for our community”.

She did not say whether any dollars would go to Victoria Square, however.

“I certainly support moves to ensure Victoria Square is a welcoming and vibrant hub of activity in our city centre,” she said.

The Liberals’ Luke Westley said he had been asked for funding by other councils in the Adelaide electorate, and would consider Victoria Square “when I’m approached”.

“Money won’t go to all of the projects unfortunately, we don’t have a bottomless pit of money, but we will look at it on its merits when there is a formal request for funding,” he said.

The Greens’ Ruth Beach said it was “too early to tell” whether federal funding was “appropriate” because the masterplan plan was still in its early stages.

“But in terms of revamping the centre of the city, there’s been some really good examples around the country, so it could be a really good thing if it’s done well, it doesn’t sap the environment and everyone’s able to use it,” she said.

Property Council of Australia SA executive director Nathan Paine said the council still had time to ask for funding but “they will need to move quite quickly”.

“There’s no question of the CBD’s importance to SA and it shouldn’t be left to ratepayers to fund these upgrades when they benefit everyone in SA,” he said.
]

[contractor]

I think this is an appropriate time to highlight Lord Mayor Michael Harbison failed in delivering on his promise that Victoria Square would be resolved during his tenure.

[Wayno]

I think this is an appropriate time to highlight Lord Mayor Michael Harbison failed in delivering on his promise that Victoria Square would be resolved during his tenure.

To be fair, the VSQ design was officially endorsed (by the ACC, State Govt & General Public) on 26 July 2010, which is a feat in itself.

[Dylan_]

I think this is an appropriate time to highlight Lord Mayor Michael Harbison failed in delivering on his promise that Victoria Square would be resolved during his tenure.

He came a lot closer than anyone else has. All it needs now is funding...

[contractor]

I think this is an appropriate time to highlight Lord Mayor Michael Harbison failed in delivering on his promise that Victoria Square would be resolved during his tenure.

He came a lot closer than anyone else has. All it needs now is funding...

Yes, you need money don't you. I don't know the in's or out's of the project but wouldn't you seek funding before proceeding with the design? The cost of the proposal could have gone into another bike lane!

[Wayno]

Yes, you need money don't you. I don't know the in's or out's of the project but wouldn't you seek funding before proceeding with the design? The cost of the proposal could have gone into another bike lane!

Not sure why you're fighting to present such a negative attitude here. Total VSQ cost is expected to be less than $70m (not the 'round up to the nearest $100m' quote provided by the Advertiser) with something like $20m required for the Arbor structure itself.

The ACC already has $25m firmly budgeted, and suspect they'll call on a mix of state & federal funds for the remainder. Should be a no-brainer and is not a big ask.

Another bike lane? chalk & cheese comparison me thinks...

[contractor]

I agree, it is a no brainer and not a big ask so what's the delay?

[Wayno]

I agree, it is a no brainer and not a big ask so what's the delay?

What delay? and why ask us? it's only been a few months since design approval - you must realize there's many steps between design and implementation? although given Foley's recent slash & burn budget there might be a delay. Us mere minions can only wait and see...