Adelaide Parklands in line for major upgrade under new WCH project

Parts of the “dilapidated” Adelaide Parklands either off limits or off-putting to visit will be transformed into useable space as part of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital. See the plans.

New images show how degraded and inaccessible areas of Adelaide’s Parklands will be re-greened and opened for public use as part of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital project.

As arguments rage over heritage issues at the police barracks site and use of Parklands for the hospital, the government has released images showing how the public will be able to enjoy areas that are now fenced off or simply unappealing.

One area off Gaol Rd by the old Adelaide Gaol is now behind razor wire fencing and a sign warning of “Danger”. It is largely bitumen and strewn with materials but will be transformed into a lush open lawn area with trees and a walking and cycling track.

Another area on the northern side of the barracks site, between the barracks and the olive groves, at present resembles a farm paddock and is behind a high fence and used for police horses and dogs.

BEFORE: Area around police barracks now fenced off and used by police horses and dogs to be turned into a playground and gardens as part of new Women's and Children's Hospital project. Picture: Supplied by State Government

AFTER: Artist’s image of area around police barracks now used by police horses and dogs to be transformed into a playground and gardens as part of new Women's and Children's Hospital project. Picture: Supplied by State Government

Under the upgrade plan, this will be transformed into a playground with gardens and be just north of the new hospital — ideal for young patients well enough to play outside as well as for families with other children who are visiting.

Health Minister Chris Picton said Adelaide Gaol would be protected and about 30,000 square metres of land surrounding the hospital site will be returned to accessible parklands, exceeding the government’s commitment to a zero net-loss of accessible parklands.

He said the new playground would be designed following other successful new nature play developments such as Morialta Mukanthi Conservation Park Playground and will be particularly important for families with siblings who spend long times at the hospital.

BEFORE: Area around Adelaide Gaol where parklands will be upgraded as part of the new Women's and Children's Hospital project. Picture: Supplied by State Government

AFTER: How the area around Adelaide Gaol may look after the parklands upgrade as part of the new Women's and Children's Hospital project. Picture: Supplied by State Government

“Parklands is not high walls, concrete carparks and razor wire that no one can get into – it’s open and accessible green space for families to use and enjoy,” Mr Picton said.

“You only have to look at the before-and-after pictures to see how dilapidated, unloved land will be transformed into new usable parkland space.

“Everyone will benefit from this significant uplift, but it’s the mothers, children and babies with a direct connection to the new hospital who will benefit most of all.

“There are thousands of families who spend lengthy periods at hospital and having open space connections and an exciting new playground development is particularly important for the wellbeing of siblings.”