After almost a year, $8.4m Henley Square revamp is ready
IT’S taken eight months, cost $8.4m and been blamed for playing a part in the closure of two well-known dining spots. But the revamped Henley Square is now open for business. Here’s what it looks like now.
IT took eight months, cost $8.4 million, was almost washed away by mother nature and allegedly played a part in the closure of two well-known dining spots.
But, after a bumpy ride, work on the redeveloped Henley Square is finally complete — and the revamped summer hot spot is receiving rave reviews — mostly.
The final pieces in the much-anticipated upgrade — the installation of a central water feature and removal of fences surrounding the grassed areas — were finished last week, opening to the public for the first time the entire redeveloped beachside precinct.
The upgrade features waved-shaped timber seating, large shaded structures with overhanging lights, two grassed areas and a concrete terrace from the square to the beach.
Modbury Heights resident Amelia Lorefice visited the square on Monday and described the upgrade as “absolutely fantastic”.
“Henley Square is my favourite beach and I cannot wait to come here on those warm summer nights,” Ms Lorefice said.
Ms Lorefice’s daughter, Mya, loved the new timber seating, which connected the heart of the square to the jetty.
“You get a great view of the ocean (sitting on the chairs) and I think it would be a really great place for star gazing,” Mya, 14, said.
Paul Adlington, of Plympton, was also a fan of the quirky wave-shaped seating.
“I think it is very unique — it is definitely something different,” Mr Adlington said.
While the majority of visitors who spoke to the Weekly Times Messenger during a visit to the square this week were positive about the revamp, others were less than impressed with the project’s design and cost.
Hindmarsh resident Maria Saridakis said the two large grassed areas, near the foreshore, were “too sparse”.
“I think they should plant some trees here ... there is not a lot of shade either,” Ms Saridakis said.
Andrea Vidacic, of West Croydon, was shocked to the learn the cost of the upgrade.
“It is pretty and all, but I cannot honestly believe that this could cost $8.4 million,” Ms Vidacic said.
Work on the long-awaited Henley Square upgrade started in April, but was immediately delayed after storms washed away building equipment.
The square’s eight-month closure also put a strain on local traders, with two dining spots — Cafe Evida and Zootz restaurant — blaming their sudden closures on a downturn in trade caused by construction.
Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans — who officially opened the square this morning alongside Hindmarsh MP Matt Williams and Colton MP Paul Caica — said the redevelopment of the “iconic space” would “leave a legacy which will be enjoyed by future generations”.
The Federal and State Government each contributed $2 million to the project on top of $4.4 million from Charles Sturt Council.