Giant Santa moving from Rundle Mall to new home at Central Market
CITY shoppers who have missed the giant Santa bringing cheer to Rundle Mall at Christmas, will be happy to know that the big fellow has found a new home - not too far away.
THE giant Father Christmas famous for bringing cheer to Rundle mall has found a new ho-ho-home.
The much-loved Santa was conspicuously absent from Rundle Mall last Christmas, after an upgrade to the David Jones building changed the configuration of the area where he was usually set up, forcing him to have an unplanned hiatus.
His new home will be on the outside of the Central Market tower on Grote St, with installation of the three-tonne figure scheduled for November 22.
Central Market general manager Aaron Brumby said it would be great to spread some Christmas cheer among shoppers.
“The giant Santa has been in the city since the 1960s, so when it wasn’t around last year a lot of people noticed,” he said.
“A lot of thought went into where it could go and in about July we started to look at how it could be brought to the market.
“We needed to call in a local engineering firm to work out whether it could be done.”
Despite Santa leaving the city’s premier shopping strip, Rundle Mall Management Authority general manager Amanda Grocock said she approved of his new home.
“A lot of shoppers go to both (the Mall and the market) so it's a good spot to move to,” she said.
Lord Mayor Martin Haese said city shoppers would be happy Santa had found a new home.
“Unfortunately Father Christmas was forced to take a hiatus last year, because of some changes to the awnings on the (David Jones) building,” he said.
“But through collaboration between all parties we have managed to find a great new location in the city and I’m sure shoppers will love it.”
After realising the giant Santa – which is made of wood and fibreglass – could no longer fit on the building David Jones gifted it Adelaide City Council.
The council’s heritage architect has been consulted, ensuring there will be minimal impact on the market tower’s facade.
The market is partnering with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital foundation to conduct a gift drive for sick kids.