Victoria Square Gets Green Light
Released: 05/06/2012
Adelaide City Council has endorsed $24 million in funding from its own budget over the next two financial years to begin rejuvenating Victoria Square / Tarndanyangga.
The funding includes $23m investment in the Square plus up to $1m for suitable pedestrian and cyclist improvement initiatives around the corners.
“This is an historic day for the City of Adelaide – we have pushed for so long to make the Victoria Square redevelopment happen and it’s a great feeling to know we have finally started,” Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said.
“After 40 years and five plans, this is a significant milestone worthy of celebrating.
“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 community wants it to happen, the city needs it to happen and I am proud to be part of a progressive Council that has decided to make it a reality.”
The funding will enable a large event space and stage in the northern end of the Square for 5,000 to 7,000 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.
“The upgrade will generate jobs and create economic benefit to the local area, greater metropolitan Adelaide and South Australia,” Stephen said.
Deputy Lord Mayor David Plumridge said the timing is right for the city.
“It will help attract people into the centre of the city and will bring increased business to other precincts, including Gouger Street,” David said.
Adelaide City Council CEO Peter Smith said that now funding had been approved, work on the contract documentation and procurement process will begin straight away.
“Construction is expected to start early next year and will finish by December next year for use by Tour Down Under in January 2014.
“We will still need to deliver the project in stages but this initial funding will mean we will start to see some tangible outcomes over the coming two years that will transform the Square into an accessible, lively and people-focused space,” Peter said.
“It will provide immediate community value and improve amenity.”
Ben Yates, General Manager of Aspen Developments said, “The nearby open space of Victoria Square is a very important ingredient in the amenity enjoyed by those working, living or just passing through the city and our own development Precinct.
“We are delighted that the Council has approved funding that will create a vibrant, cultural and active space and garden in the heart of the city for today and future generations.”
Chair of the new Central Market Authority, Judy Potter, said “The investment in Victoria Square is exciting for Adelaide and the Central Market. Victoria Square will become the 'hub', bringing more people to the precinct and our iconic market."
For updates throughout the project and further information on the Victoria Square Masterplan visit
http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/deve ... danyangga/