Tired and outdated Whitmore Square earmarked for $20m upgrade

The CBD’s Whitmore Square is set for a $20 million upgrade that includes sports features, lighting and plants, traffic works and possibly a waterplay area — but some say the plan is too much.

An artist’s impression of the proposed sculptural play area at Whitmore Square. Supplied: Adelaide City Council

• Masterplan being developed for Whitmore Sq upgrade
• New life coming to Adelaide’s southwest city corner

A city square that is “underperforming” and reflects a “different era” will be upgraded under a $20 million plan to attract more visitors and cater for the growing number of people living in apartments.

Adelaide City Council has released a masterplan to rejuvenate Whitmore Square and turn it into a “welcoming and safe heart of the southwest community”.

Improvements would include a better basketball half-court, more lighting and plants, table-tennis tables, walking paths, toilets and, possibly a water feature.

The council has allocated $800,000 towards safety upgrades at Whitmore Square in its next budget, which is yet to go out for consultation.

An artist impression of upgrades to Whitmore Squre. Supplied by Adelaide City Council

“The square has clear strengths as a green space, but equally, key issues that mean the square is underperforming for its community,” it said.

“The square reflects a different era with ageing assets that are in need of renewal.”

A council report said works would make the square a popular choice for community events as well as meet demand from residents for more “quality” open space.

As part of the plan, the council will also investigate a number of traffic upgrades, including zebra crossings or traffic lights at Morphett, Wright and Sturt streets, and would require discussions with the State Government.

The corners on the square’s southern side will be realigned and tightened to slow motorists and increase its size.

Council said the $20 million figure was an estimated amount that would be spent over years. The masterplan will allow council to seek external funding to deliver the upgrades and manage ad-hoc decisions and requests.

Cr Robert Simms said traffic management had to be a priority because it was a “burning issue” for people who live in the area.

Cr Anne Moran supported the upgrade, but said the council had to be mindful that the square was not turned into just an event space.

An artist impression of upgrades to Whitmore Squre. Supplied by Adelaide City Council

“This is a very dense residential area ... it is also in an area that had a lot of aid agencies and foreign students, so it has to cater for (all of their) outdoor needs,” she said.

“I don’t think we need to go too far and build a mini function centre in the middle, all we need to do is provide toilets and a lovely outdoor setting where people can recreate.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Houssam Abiad was in favour of the masterplan, but thought the overall plan was a bit too “full on”.

“Make it simple … a community square needs to be community focused,” Mr Abiad said.

The plan will go before the council next week.

If it is accepted, it would “liaise with state government regarding potential funding partnership”, the report said.

The council has been contacted about timing of the project.