Chinatown Adelaide to get a long overdue $4 million facelift in a Labor funding promise

ADELAIDE’S Chinatown would be revitalised with new artwork, street furniture and a dragon-themed lighting project, in a $4 million Labor election promise.

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ADELAIDE’S Chinatown would be given a facelift courtesy of a $4 million re-election promise by Labor.

The project, which is on the Adelaide City Council’s election wishlist, is expected to include street furniture, integrated artwork, street trees and lighting for Moonta Street.

A “Sea of Lights and Dragon” artwork, which would wrap around a building on the edge of Chinatown in a bid to create an unusual and authentic focal point in Grote Street, is also being considered by the council.

An early artist’s impression of the dragon lighting project on Moonta St and Grote St.

Premier Jay Weatherill told the Sunday Mail a re-elected Labor Government would work closely with the council to deliver the exciting project that he said will “further establish Chinatown as a unique and vibrant cultural destination.”

“Moonta Street’s last major upgrade was in 2004 and this revitalisation is long overdue,” Mr Weatherill said.

“This investment will build on the State Labor Government’s redevelopment of Her Majesty’s Theatre and the Market to Riverbank Link, attracting even more people to live, work and play in our vibrant city.”

The project is likely to include incentives for shopfront improvements in a bid to encourage direct private investment.

Members of the Trinity College lion dancers perform at the Adelaide Lunar New Year Street Party on Gouger St on Friday night. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Haese welcomed Labor’s commitment.

“Showcasing Chinatown in its very best light is important to the city of Adelaide and will become even more so as tourism, trade, education and cultural pursuits continue to grow,” Mr Haese said.

In February last year, Liberal Leader Steven Marshall promised to support redevelopment of Chinatown by providing $500,000 for a permanent cover for Moonta Street. if elected in March.

“Everyone visiting Chinatown and the Central Market will benefit from protecting this vibrant strip from the weather,” Mr Marshall said at the time.