Park project will transform site
THE former SA Water depot site at Thebarton will be transformed into a lush nature park.
THE former SA Water depot site at Thebarton will be transformed into a lush nature park.
It will feature more than 23,000 trees and plants, walking and cycling paths and a central barbecue area.
Premier Mike Rann has released images showing the end result of the project, which is already under way.
The area will include a shared bicycle and pedestrian path which will be a major link between the proposed west-side bikeway through to the River Torrens Linear Park cycling paths.
It will be called Narnungga Park 25 and will entail around 5.5 hectares of land being returned to the parklands.
Extensive remediation and landscape work at the site - bordered by James Congdon Drive, Port Rd and the railway line - is being undertaken by SA Water and the Transport, Energy and Infrastructure Department.
Mr Rann said construction of the trail and pathways as well as footbridges will be completed later this year with preliminary planting while additional shelters and barbecue facilities will be undertaken next year.
"An event space will be created using grassed terraces under the shade of established trees which will double as a multipurpose picnic area," he said.
"We will be adding open space, including thousands of plants and trees to the heart of our city, turning a barren industrial site into a recreational park for people to enjoy."
Mr Rann said while the park would take some time to establish with a series of plantings scheduled over the next 12 months, it would be open early in 2012.
Once established, it will be handed over to the Adelaide City Council which will receive a $800,000 Government contribution to its transformation.
Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said the park would be an iconic asset for the state.
"This is a significant project that will return the site to Adelaide's parklands using indigenous plants and sustainable landscaping principles," Mr Yarwood said.
"It will result in an attractive and well-utilised public space for the whole community."