Henley Square to open this weekend despite unfinished redevelopment
HENLEY Square will reopen to the public this weekend — despite work on the precinct’s $8.4 million redevelopment remaining unfinished for weeks yet.
- Two Henley Square restaurants gone in less than two months
- Cafe Evida suddenly shuts
- Henley Beach left like dump after long weekend
- Zootz restaurant closes down
HENLEY Square will reopen to the public this weekend despite work on the precinct’s $8.4 million redevelopment remaining unfinished.
Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans said fences set up around the heart of the square would be removed on Friday.
She said “the final major elements” — a central water feature and toilet block at the northern carpark, next to the old Cafe Evida — would be ready by the weekend.
But she said grassed areas between Seaview Rd and the jetty would remain closed until the end of November to protect freshly-laid turf.
Two large shade structures, either side of the water feature, will not be ready until the end of the month.
Visitors to the square offered mixed reviews about its new design and the progress of construction.
Mile End resident Tom Goodwin was concerned about the lack of shaded areas.
“On hot days you really need umbrellas to block the western sun,” Mr Goodwin said.
Nancy Coppola, of Brooklyn Park, said the precinct appeared “more spacious” than before and was “very excited” to enjoy the space over summer.
Seaton resident Brigette McKinnon was surprised to learn the square would reopen this week, but said the development looked “awesome”.
“I have been coming here for a long time and it definitely needed a facelift,” Ms McKinnon said.
Work on Henley Square’s long-awaited redevelopment started in April and was scheduled to finish in November.
The project’s timeline was set back almost immediately after a large storm washed away building equipment.
The redevelopment had a major impact on Henley Square businesses, with two dining spots — Cafe Evida and Zootz restaurant — blaming their sudden closures on a downturn in trade caused by construction.