Waymouth St set for $1 million revamp to increase outdoor dining area
ONE of the city’s busiest streets will be transformed into a leafy outdoor dining strip under a new proposal from the Adelaide City Council.
The northern side of Waymouth St — home to popular restaurants Bistro Dom, Georges, Press and Melt — would almost double its outdoor dining space under a near $1 million plan to widen footpaths, plant trees and add pedestrian crossings to attract even more diners to one of the city’s most enjoyed food precincts.
The redevelopment, if approved, could begin as soon as the next financial year and has traders excited about works which would stretch between Topham Mall and King William St.
The Adelaide City Council said the number of parking spaces lost would be examined with traders prior to the proposed redevelopment that is set to cost more than $900,000.
“It depends on the feedback from traders — we would certainly look at how parking, deliveries and taxi spaces are used and allocated in the whole street, not just the north side,” a spokesman said.
“Council has allocated $400,000 asset renewal of the northern footpath for the 2016-17 financial year. It would cost around a further $525,000 to add the maximum number of trees and footpath space.”
The council will investigate traffic speeds along the busy precinct, however the planned pedestrian crossing, similar to the one installed on Pirie St, would slow vehicles down.
“We haven’t explored a change in speed limits at this stage but we’ll consider the needs of the street holistically if the project goes ahead,” a council spokesman said.
Restaurateurs along Waymouth St are rejoicing at the proposal, saying the works will not only improve the atmosphere along the popular strip but provide up to an extra 20-30 covers daily for each eatery.
“It’s absolutely amazing, we’re very excited about it,” Bistro Dom owner Marcus Carter said.
“The frontage exposure for us would be absolutely fantastic and using that area for outdoor dining brings in a natural, relaxed atmosphere to the street,” added Racquel Kulerski, Bistro Dom restaurant manager.
“I think just being able to enjoy the outdoors with trees and a bustling outdoor areas — it’s like Sydney or Melbourne in one of their busy streets and you’ve got an amazing energy. People want to go where people are.”
While some traders have limited outdoor dining already in place, including Soonta and Jack Greens, the redevelopment would also provide valuable seating with shade from the heat generated by the large buildings along the street.
Owner of award winning restaurants Press and Melt, Simon Kardachi, welcomed the proposed redevelopment saying it would provide much needed atmosphere along the city street.
“It’s always been quite a barren strip so anything to soften the concrete — like planting — will be beneficial,” he said.
“Rather than loading zones and white vans it’s better to build the precinct up. This will all build the profile of Waymouth St.”
The council said the proposed redevelopment could kickstart further works off Waymouth St including its laneways behind the popular restaurants.
“We’ll be engaging the community on the future of the city’s laneways in March and April, and this will help Council identify priorities for all the small streets between North Terrace and the Central Market, including great little streets like Anster Street which really add to the fine grain of the city,” a council spokesman said.
The proposed upgrade of Waymouth St could be a case study for further works to be carried out in busy CBD precincts to introduce more space for “movement” within the city.
“With renewal work being due, this got us thinking about what else we could do if we aligned streetscape enhancement with this work, to add trees, a wider footpath, a better experience for cyclists, and just generally more space for outdoor dining and movement,” a council spokesman said.
“If the traders get behind this, it can be a catalyst for similar works on other streets where council is already allocating funding to renew footpaths and roadways.”
Lord Mayor Martin Haese said Waymouth St had experienced a renaissance in recent years and is keen to hear more from local traders on the planned rejuvenation of the area.
“Any opportunity to enhance any of the premier streets of Adelaide will be looked upon with enthusiasm on a case-by-case basis by the elected members,’’ he said.
