New concept plans for Lot Fourteen frontage
More than 10 large trees will get the chop to make way for an upgrade at Lot Fourteen that includes plazas, public art and cycling paths.
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Large trees will get the axe to make way for an upgrade of Lot Fourteen’s North Tce frontage.
The State Government today released concept designs to revitalise the public face of the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site.
They include chopping down a significant tree and 10 elms that required formal approval for felling because of their size.
Planning Minister Stephan Knoll said the trees — all non-native — were approaching the end of their natural life.
“Irrespective to these works, an independent arborist report has advised that the trees have a limited life expectancy of around eight years,” Mr Knoll said.
“More than double the amount of established plane trees will replace the 10 elm trees.”
The upgrade includes plazas, public art and cycling paths, which he said would “create a contemporary urban environment”.
Mr Knoll could not reveal how much the upgrade would cost because it was still being “finalised”.
The precinct will connect universities, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Botanic High School, the Riverbank zone, the East End and Rundle Mall.
“The public realm works will open up Lot Fourteen from North Terrace, with a series of attractive open spaces, plazas and walkways,” Mr Knoll said.
“These North Tce works will create an impressive open space for the public to enjoy and
access the five refurbished state heritage-listed buildings, including the Sheridan Building as a retail kiosk.”
He described the open spaces as “flexible”, offering access to pedestrians and cyclists alike.
The “public realm” upgrade would be delivered in stages, with the first set to start in September and be completed in early 2020.
Lot Fourteen will become the new headquarters of the National Space Agency.
In addition, the State Government has allocated $150 million towards construction of an Aboriginal Art and Cultures Gallery within the precinct.
Lot Fourteen is a $550 million state and federal investment aimed at developing future industries and jobs.