First construction contract awarded in $900 million revamp of Adelaide Festival Plaza

THE $900 million redevelopment of Adelaide Festival Plaza will begin next month, following the first construction contract being awarded.

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THE multi-million redevelopment of Adelaide Festival Plaza will begin next month, following the first construction contract being awarded.

The State Government today announced Lendlease had won a $21 million contract to lower Festival Drive, separating vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

The works also included the creation of a pedestrian connection between the Adelaide Railway Station and Riverbank Footbridge.

Construction was expected to take 12 months and, once the AFL season finished, would include closing the northern entrance to the Adelaide Railway Station.

An artist’s impressions of the Festival Plaza’s Walk of Fame.

During this time access to the footbridge and the Adelaide Oval will be along King William Rd, or a temporary pedestrian bridge, near the InterContinental Hotel.

Premier Jay Weatherill said the milestone was an exciting time for the city.

“Again and again Adelaide is singled out as one of the most liveable cities in the world and with projects such as this redevelopment we will further cement that title,” Mr Weatherill said.

“These works will kickstart the transformation of a long-neglected space into a vibrant destination for all South Australians to visit, spend time in and enjoy.”

The Festival Plaza upgrade and redevelopment of the SkyCity Casino is a $900 million project for the state.

The Government estimates 2500 jobs will be created during construction and at least 400 ongoing jobs.

The redevelopment included upgrades to public spaces around the festival centre, the railway Station, casino, Parliament House, Old Parliament House and Station Rd.

The works would include public artwork, water features, an art-themed playground, trees, shrubs and lawn, as well as seating and shelter.

The festival centre carpark will be closed early next year to allow for the construction of the new car park, office tower and the redevelopment of the Festival Plaza.

What will the Festival Plaza revamp look like?

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