$15m plan to connect Adelaide Riverbank to Central Market via network of revamped laneways

ADELAIDE’S riverbank and the Central Market will finally be connected by a network of overhauled laneways, now almost $15m has been committed.

Artist impression of the revamped Bentham Street laneway.

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ADELAIDE’S riverbank and the Central Market will finally be connected by a network of overhauled laneways, now almost $15 million has been committed to the project.

The State Government and Adelaide City Council will each invest $7.3 million to upgrade Bank St, Leigh St, Topham Mall, Bentham St and Pitt St.

This could lead to these streets being closed to traffic, which was a feature of the Leigh St revamp.

It follows the council earlier this year committing $200,000 to remove the controversial parklets on Bank St and “redesign and reinvigorate” the street with new furniture and trees.

Artist impression of the new-look Bank Street laneway.

The wooden benches — known as parklets — and painting on the road was installed on Bank St about two years ago as part of a $1 million upgrade.

But they became a haven for drunks and yobbos and frequently overflowed with litter from revellers using them to eat takeaways and drink alcohol.

The project will begin immediately with design work and feedback sought from traders and the

local community on the designs. Building work is set to start late in the year.

Making the announcement in the lead-up to the July’s State Budget, Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said there had been an “incredible” transformation on Leigh St and Peel St over the past three years.
“We want that excitement and activity extended all the way from the Central Markets to the riverbank,” he said.

“This project will add to the huge amount of public and private investment in the city in recent years in terms of infrastructure developments, new hotels and apartment complexes.”

A map showing the revamped laneways connecting the riverbank to Adelaide Central Market.

Recent council consultation on the laneways network showed strong community support for further improvements, with the top five feedback responses looking for more greenery, prioritising pedestrians, improved lighting, art and supporting the character and atmosphere in these small streets.

It also found many businesses have creative ideas for enhancing city space, ranging from lighting to street closures for outdoor dining.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said this funding would help encourage private investment.

“This investment has the potential to realise up to $70 million in economic activity and use local procurement to create new jobs,” he said.

“Sixty nine new small venues have already sprung up around the city, bringing our evening economy to life, creating jobs and fostering a revived city atmosphere.

“The project will help build the momentum the city needs to continue to grow and encourage unique retailers and businesses to invest and thrive.”e