Victoria Square upgrade begins

Work on Adelaide City Council’s upgrade of Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga begins today, transforming the northern end of the Square into a people-focused space for all South Australians.

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood removed the first sod of dirt to mark the beginning of Stage 1 of the redevelopment. He was joined by Kaurna representative Karl Telfer and his mother, Kaurna Elder, Georgina Williams.

“This is a historic day for the city and State. The upgrade of Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga will provide a world-class place for people to come together and connect, fitting of a city’s primary public square,” Stephen said. 

“Council’s investment will attract people to the Square, increase activity and provide an event space for regular, programmed events that celebrate the best of our state,” he added.

“After 5 plans over 40 years, I am proud to be turning the first sod to make it a reality.”

Stage 1 of the revamp will create a large event space in the northern end of the Square for up to 5,000 people, with tiered paving and a raised performance area. A generous promenade will be paved with an urban lounge, extensive seating, covered by a shade structure with fabric awnings and enclosed by vertical vines. A new water play fountain will be installed at the northern tip, adjacent an event plaza. New lawn, garden beds and 100 new semi-mature trees will also be planted. 

Innovative lighting will be fitted across the event plaza, which will make the area safer and more useable in the evenings. Modern public toilets will be installed, along with 2 drinking fountains and 16 bicycle racks. “Plug and play” infrastructure will also be provided for pop-up cafes and events.

All of the current statues and monuments will remain in the Square. The state heritage listed Three Rivers Fountain will be refurbished and relocated to the southern end in early 2014.

“There has been extensive consultation with the public and stakeholders, including the Kaurna community, throughout the development of the Masterplan. We will still need to deliver the full project in stages but Stage 1 will mean we will start to see some tangible outcomes that will give the centre of the city the attention it deserves,” Stephen said.

Stage 1 includes the full upgrade of the central roadway so that it can be transformed into a temporary plaza for events. Space will be made for a dedicated bus lane and there will be a pedestrian path and bicycle lanes in the northern and southern side of the Square. The flag poles will remain in the centre of the Square.

Construction in the northern end of the Square will be finished by December 2013 for use by Tour Down Under in January 2014.

Ben Yates, General Manager of Aspen Developments, said, “The nearby open space of Victoria Square is a very important ingredient in the facilities enjoyed by those working, living or just passing through the city and our own development Precinct.

“We are delighted that work is getting started - the upgrade will create a vibrant, cultural and active space in the heart of the city for today and future generations.”

Chair of the Central Market Authority, Judy Potter, said she can’t wait for new life to be injected into Victoria Square.

“The investment in Victoria Square is exciting for Adelaide and the Central Market.  It will mean the Square will become a hub for events and activity, bringing more people to the area and our iconic market."

During March, some speed restrictions will continue to be in place to allow for the construction team to mobilise.

For updates throughout the project and further information on the Victoria Square Stage 1 Upgrade visit www.victoriasquareadelaide.com.au