Council strikes deal for RCC return to Victoria Square, Gouger Street party

Warring council factions have finally agreed on spot for one of the Fringe’s most popular venues – and a new street party could sweeten the deal.

Twins Savannah and Darcy Goryan with camels at RCC in Victoria Square. Picture: Calum Robertson

One of the Adelaide Fringe’s most-popular venues, RCC, will return to Victoria Square this year after a compromise was thrashed out between Adelaide City Council’s warring factions.

And in a sweetener for established local businesses, Gouger Street traders will be supported by the council to create a street party precinct during the Fringe.

Deputy Lord Mayor Mary Couros brokered the compromise after a 10pm curfew placed on the Adelaide Fringe venue last month proved unworkable.

The council deal means the RCC – formerly the Royal Croquet Club – will be held in the southern half of the square during the Fringe, from February 19 to March 21.

The council compromise vote meant RCC would be allowed to remain open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11pm all other nights.

It would have a liquor licence for 3000 people, around half of what organisers had hoped for prior to COVID-19.

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The popular venue had a chequered history under previous ownership.

The Victoria Square location had also faced opposition from local traders, who argued it hurt their businesses and created a noise nuisance.

In November, Adelaide University discontinued its association with RCC after only two years, requiring a move back to Victoria Square for the first time since 2016.

Councillor Greg Mackie praised current RCC operator Roberto Cardone for recognising the idea of a Gouger Street party precinct and urged traders to take up the opportunity.

“Good on Roberto for identifying this was an opportunity for the traders to create a benefit from the venue and I hope they can get together and make something of this,” Cr Mackie said.