One of Adelaide’s best known pizza restaurants primed to set up shop at revamped Henley Square

TWO restaurants controversially closed during this multi-million dollar beachside revamp — but now the dust’s settled, it looks like one of Adelaide’s best known pizza and tapas restaurants is moving in.

Evida shut its doors suddenly last September, in part blaming the closure on the Henley Square revamp.

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TWO of Adelaide’s most popular restaurants are expected to move into a prominent Henley Square site, including one of the city’s best-known pizza spots.

Plans lodged with Charles Sturt Council detail how a vacant building, the site of the Evida cafe, will undergo a major renovation.

The plans include an artists’ impression with the name “Melt” on the facade — confirming speculation the popular restaurant, already in the city and at Hyde Park, will be moving to Henley Beach.

While Melt owner Simon Kardachi would not comment, Henley Square traders said they are expecting Press* Food and Wine, also owned by Mr Kardachi, to open at the site as well.

Melt now has restaurants in the city as well as Hyde Park.

Architectural plans sited by The Weekly Times Messenger include an expansion across three levels — a lower restaurant level with about 80 seats, a main restaurant with 175 seats and rooftop seating for 31 people.

Three new retail outlets, offices and storage areas, would also be built on the northern side of the existing restaurant, resulting in the loss of eight car parks.

The plans were submitted by site owner R.A. Investments last month.

Swedish Tarts owner Bo Matschke said the addition of Melt and Press would be a lift for the area.

“It will be very good, I’m looking forward to it,” Mr Matschke said. “The more places that are there, more people will come to the area and this is quality food.”

A local fashion retailer manager, who did not wish to be named, also said tenants for the vacant site would boost the precinct.

The revamped Henley Square was officially re-opened in December. Picture: Sam Wundke

“There were a lot of rumours about it,” she said.

“I’ve heard Press and Melt ... it needs something like that down here.”

Charles Sturt Henley Ward councillor Jasmine Wood said there had been rumours about tenants for the building since Evida closed late last year.

“There’s been speculation and I think locals and traders have just been waiting to see who shows a little bit of interest, but I think they will be excited to see some new tenants in there,” Ms Wood said.

“Being such a prominent building, it’s noticeable when it’s empty, so it’s a bit of an eyesore.”

Ms Wood said the plans would be a boost for the square despite the loss of car parks.

“More businesses there attracting customers from all over the state is only a good thing ... I think a few missing carparks isn’t really going to make a difference.