Adelaide Central Market to get new escalators worth $1.25 million

Escalators which regularly break down at the Adelaide Central Market are being replaced at the cost of $1.25 million. Here are the concepts.

Adelaide Central Market’s escalators are being replaced after three decades of service.

New escalators will be installed in the existing location over the next three months at the cost of $1.25 million.

Customers using the carpark will need to use the upgraded Gouger St and Grote St lifts or stairs to access the market.

Temporary signs will be erected to help people find their way from the carpark.

Artist's impression of the new escalators and seating area to be installed at the Adelaide Central Market.

Artist's impression of the new escalators and seating area to be installed at the Adelaide Central Market.

Adelaide Central Market Authority (ACMA) chairman Theo Maras said the escalators needed to be replaced because of frequent mechanical failure.

“They have been constantly breaking down on a weekly basis,” he said.

“There is nothing more frustrating than people not being able to use the escalator to get into the market.”

Mr Maras said he had discussed replacing the escalators with the Adelaide City Council, which owns the market.

“We sat down and decided to do it before construction starts next door on the redevelopment of the Adelaide Central Market Arcade,” he said.

“The new escalators are going to be wider, broader and on a different angle.

Artist's impression of the new escalators and seating area to be installed at the Adelaide Central Market.

Artist's impression of the new escalators and seating area to be installed at the Adelaide Central Market.

ACMA general manager Jodie Kannane said the escalators had “served the market incredibly well” for over 35 years.

“While small works have been undertaken over the years to maintain them, it’s now time to replace this essential piece of infrastructure for the benefit of future generations,” she said.

“We are thrilled to be taking our market to the next level with all-new escalators which will provide a safer and reliable mode of transport for customers for many years to come.”

The new escalators and a refurbished seating area are expected to open to the public in September.