MEDIA RELEASE DATE: 14 July 2012
The Rundle Mall Redevelopment Project is gathering speed, with the detailed designs for Stage 1 nearing completion!
The designs reveal high quality paving along the entire length of the Mall, the relocation of the Gawler Place event space to the side of the Mall, rather than the centre and a new water play space.
The installation of urban elements including new seating, lighting and bicycle racks are also included in the plans as well as tree planting, landscaping and future proofing of services.
“This is a serious commitment to the Rundle Mall Masterplan, which will bring about the most significant changes to the Mall since its creation,” Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said.
“It is a uniquely South Australian response that reflects the atmosphere of the city, day and night, season to season.”
Adelaide-based international design firm, HASSELL are leading the detailed design process, along with a team of highly regarded specialists including Arup, RLB, Ian Dryden Industrial Designer, Aquatek, Disability Consultant Services, BB Architects, JamFactory, DIADEM and Adelaide Fringe.
“This is an incredible opportunity to revitalise the public realm of Rundle Mall, by designing a place of real quality for people to meet, for them to enjoy the changes to the retail experience and where more regular events can happen,” said HASSELL’s Principal of Urban Design, Alun Chapman.
“We are all looking forward to re-creating the fantastic character of the Fringe but all year round.”
Stage 1 of the project is set to commence in early 2013 and includes plans to relocate or remove the existing kiosk stands and end-restaurants in order to improve sightlines and create more space.
Rundle Mall Management Authority Chairman, Theo Maras, said Council and the Authority are aiming to deliver best outcomes for all stakeholders, not just for tomorrow but years to come.
“It’s about adding goods and services that contribute to the overall vibrancy and atmosphere of the Mall, rather than taking them away,” Mr Maras said.
“We will still have facilities for people selling flowers and people selling fruit –this is purely about removing the permanent structures and replacing them with moveable, portable shops."
“This is about reactivating the mall day and night.”
Council CEO Peter Smith said “We are fully committed to working with these traders and assisting them in looking at a range of options to continue their business, including alternative sites for relocation within the Rundle Mall vicinity or the city.
“Some of the options include sleeve retailing, relocation to primary laneways or repositioning as pop-up shops in key areas of the precinct.”
Business SA Chief Executive Officer, Nigel McBride, said “The re-development of Rundle Mall will increase the overall vibrancy of the CBD and it will be well complemented by the new legislation to allow public holiday shop trading in the city.”
The detailed designs will be finalised over the next couple of weeks and will be presented to Council’s City Infrastructure & Public Works Committee on Tuesday the 17th July and to full Council on Tuesday the 24th July.
Once endorsed, a tender process will then begin for materials and services. Stage 1 is expected to take approximately 12 months and will be completed in phases starting from the western end.
Council and the project team will continue to consult with all stakeholders, including Rundle Mall traders, leading up to and throughout the upgrade.
To view the Rundle Mall Masterplan visit www.rundlemallmasterplan.com
Media contact: Naomi Marsh (08) 8203 7446
