Dock One at Port Adelaide work begins but it means moving City of Adelaide clipper ship to Dock Two

WORK has officially begun on the first stage of a major housing development at Port Adelaide but it means a move for the City of Adelaide clipper ship into a less-than-desirable location.

THE planned heritage ship complex at Port Adelaide’s Dock Two is uninspiring and will fail to attract tourists, according to City of Adelaide clipper director Peter Christopher.

Mr Christopher said the State Government’s plan for Dock Two — which has yet to be released to the public — was missing an opportunity to create a live action, interactive heritage area similar to Sovereign Hill gold mines in Victoria.

His comments come as the transformation of the Port Adelaide waterfront kicks off, with building works officially getting underway on the first stage of the Dock One housing development last week.

In what Port Adelaide Mayor Gary Johanson described as “exciting times”, earthmoving equipment has started digging preparations for the $168 million project, which is building 750 homes on the 7ha site.

An artist’s impressions of the Port Adelaide waterfront development by Starfish Developments.

The beginning of construction means the City of Adelaide clipper ship, currently stationed on a barge at Dock One, needs to be moved 200m toward the lighthouse at a cost of up to $50,000 to cover the move and works such as rebuilding the barge and re-establishing electricity.

The clipper ship is expected to relocate to Dock Two — where the State Government is proposing a Historic Ships and Boats attraction — in two years’ time.

The State Government recently had South Australian urban planning and design consultancy firm Jensen Plus draw up a master plan for Dock Two.

The plan, which has not been officially released, includes proposed locations for the One and All tall ship, the Falie, a cafe, exhibitions and a fish market.

However, Mr Christopher — who also had a master plan drawn that was knocked back by the government — has criticised the plan for lacking energy and not using the entire site.

The City of Adelaide clipper ship at Dock One. Source: File

“Our model is very much a live seaport village where it is dynamic and generates income,” Mr Christopher said.

“For it to work, it can’t be an extension of the Maritime Museum, which is what we call a passive site.”

Instead, he said, it should operate like a maritime version of Ballarat’s famous Sovereign Hill.

“They really see our role as just plop the ship there and we are saying ‘that’s not going to work’,” Mr Christopher said.

“In order for it to be self-sustaining it needs to have land around it that we own or manage so we can put live activities in for visitors to engage in rather than a static visit to a museum.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Gary Johanson said the beginning of the long-awaited Dock One housing project was a watershed moment for the Port.

“The Port has turned the corner once and for all,” Mr Johanson said.

“We are seeing activation in areas people had long since forgotten — it’s exciting times.”

Dylan Cedro, 14, and Justin Hastings, 15, who are two of the Ocean View College students who have volunteered 250 hours on the City of Adelaide clipper ship. Picture: AAP/Roy VanDerVegt

The Dock One development coincides with the announcement that Alberton fishing company Southern Sea Eagles will invest $5 million to create tourism accommodation at Cruickshanks Corner.

Both plans form part of the State Government’s overall vision to build 1300 homes as well as shops, cafes, hotels and a public promenade across 21ha on the surrounds of the Port River.

All together, it represents $280 million worth of private investment, as well as 350 construction jobs and 2000 ongoing jobs in Port Adelaide.

Starfish Developments managing director Damon Nagel said townhouses at Dock One would be the first homes built as part of the rejuvenation project.

“The style of housing will reflect the heritage and industrial nature of the old port,” Mr Nagel said.

“We’re delighted and honoured to have won this rare and unique opportunity to bring such an important heritage destination back to life.”

Renewal SA was asked to comment about Mr Christopher’s concerns about Dock Two but did not respond.