Adelaide Fringe venues want to close Rundle Rd for six weeks, bringing in another 200,000 people

Two major Fringe venues have launched a push to close a major CBD road for six weeks to dodge the council’s fee increases – but is it fair? Have your say.

One of the CBD’s main feeder roads would close for weeks to house Gluttony and The Garden of Unearthly Delights, under a proposal from major Fringe venues that sets up a new showdown with Adelaide City Council.

Organisers have applied to build two pavilions, separately seating 1000 and 800 patrons, on Rundle Rd, for minimal cost early next year.

The venues would have up to four shows a day over 28 days, which could add 200,000 additional ticket sales to the world renowned event.

Roads close on weekends during Fringe but it would switch to full-week closure as happened for last year’s Illuminate Festival.

Gluttony and The Garden of Unearthly Delight plan to set up a 1000-seat and 800-seat pavilion right in the middle of Rundle Rd, almost free of charge. Picture: Matt Loxton

Gluttony and The Garden of Unearthly Delight plan to set up a 1000-seat and 800-seat pavilion right in the middle of Rundle Rd, almost free of charge. Picture: Matt Loxton

The application proposes to close Rundle Rd from 7 February until 21 March 2024.

But the radical plan has struck an early roadblock before it comes up for council debate tonight.

Sources say the proposal, which councillors must approve, would short circuit hefty council-imposed Parklands fees. Venues would just pay a $1000 council road closure fee.

But council rules stop it recouping a $70,000 parking loss during the six-week closure.

Venues are disputing a council plan to reintroduce council fees worth of hundreds of thousands of dollars for use of the Parklands that were suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They see the Rundle Rd plan is a solution.

Council notes state the plan for current existing sites in the Parklands plus: “Closure of Rundle Road in both directions, including the use of on-street carparking areas, is sought for a six week period”.

“The six-week period includes pre-event for bump in, event days, and event bump out.“

“The road closure will allow the Fringe to expand on their existing Parklands event sites and present new offerings.”

Adelaide Fringe director Heather Croall said organisers were in discussions with the council administration about possibly closing Rundle Rd during the Fringe.

This, she said, would allow the Fringe box office to be on the road, “making it accessible for all and have space for SA Care to deliver a quiet space and change facility for those with mobility access needs and neurodivergent audiences not able to access services in the parks”.

“The closure will enable two venues to be built for shows that require large flat surfaces that are not possible in the park,” she said.

The draft plan includes thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists, she said.

Traffic snarls along East Terrace near the Rundle Rd closure for the 2022 Illuminate Festival. Picture Mark Brake

In presenting the plan, council administration states: “These venues would house unique national and international performances, which event organisers advise would not be possible without the road closure due to the space limitations and challenges with topography of the current Parklands sites”.

Although not wanting to take sides before the meeting, two councillors contacted The Advertiser to express their dismay at the idea, which they say would create traffic chaos on East Tce – and believe it would be rejected local residents.

Although he stressed his view was only a personal one, Deputy Lord Mayor Phillip Martin said: “Rundle Rd was closed for several months for Illuminate and it was opposed by some residents but supported by many businesses.

“My entirely personal view is that I think the council should be supporting our premier festivals in whatever way we can.

“There will be others that have an alternative view.”