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Rod Hook to oversee $6 million King William Rd upgrade project

THE major-projects boss behind the Adelaide Oval upgrade, Northern Expressway project and Southern Expressway duplication has a new challenge — the $6m King William Rd upgrade. His first task? The traders.

Rod Hook (far right) with then-SAGA president Ian McLachlan, MP John Rau, former prime minister Julia Gillard and MP Kate Ellis overlooking plans for the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval in 2011.
Rod Hook (far right) with then-SAGA president Ian McLachlan, MP John Rau, former prime minister Julia Gillard and MP Kate Ellis overlooking plans for the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval in 2011.

HE has helped guide the upgrade of Adelaide Oval, steer the Northern Expressway project and oversee the duplication of the Southern Expressway.

Now, former Transport and Infrastructure Department chief Rod Hook has turned his sights to King William Rd.

The well-regarded infrastructure project expert will help formulate Unley Council’s plan to complete a $6 million upgrade of the Hyde Park shopping strip.

Mr Hook said he would help ensure the project was done “as well as can absolutely be achieved”.

His first order of business would be to work out when parts of the project could be completed with minimal effect on traders.

An artist's impression of the $6 million revamp planned for King William Rd. Picture: Supplied
An artist's impression of the $6 million revamp planned for King William Rd. Picture: Supplied

“If we start in January 2019 … some of you might say to me that’s the worst possible month because you all make enough money in January with normal trading to see you through the rest of the year,” Mr Hook said.

“If we started in January it might be really problematic. Another business … might say January is the best time.

“Part of the issue is do you do the whole street in one go and close it down … or do you break it down and do it in sections?”

Rod Hook (right) with project director Luigi Rossi and then-Federal transport and infrastructure minister Anthony Albanese at the South Rd Superway project in 2012.
Rod Hook (right) with project director Luigi Rossi and then-Federal transport and infrastructure minister Anthony Albanese at the South Rd Superway project in 2012.

He wanted to work the preferences of residents and traders into the project tenders and make sure contractors were kept on track because “that’s how the costs get away from you”.

“Then there’s obligations on them and me to make that work,” he said.

“I want to have traders and residents best informed and best engaged as much as we can.

“As I’ve said to them, a project like this will have an impact.”

Unley general manager of city development John Devine said Mr Hook would be an important part of making sure the project was completed efficiently.

“Mr Hook’s track record of delivering successful and transformative projects in South Australia is second to none,” Mr Devine said.

Mr Hook last week announced his proposed SkyWay rail project on Unley Rd had been postponed.

Under the new plans for King William Rd, the current pavers would be replaced.

Footpaths would be widened to allow for more outdoor dining, however, on-street parking would be reduced.

About 70 new trees and planter boxes would be installed along the road, along with four new pedestrian crossings.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/east-hills/a-new-hook-for-6-million-king-william-rd-upgrade-project/news-story/d81bf0eff28df03eab5093618883f187