Major $85m upgrade of Sir Donald Bradman Dr and Marion Rd intersection going ahead

Custom-built offices facing demolition for an $85m upgrade to one of Adelaide’s busiest intersections are “irreplaceable”, a devastated business founder says.

Managing director Angelique Boileau outside Boileau Business Technology on Sir Donald Bradman Drive, one of the business that will be demolished for the intersection upgrade. Picture: Ben Clark

Construction work will begin next year and 14 properties will be partially or fully acquired by the state government as part of a long-awaited $85m upgrade of the intersection at Sir Donald Bradman Dr and Marion Rd.

Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the upgrade would be jointly funded by the state and federal governments and benefit the 60,000 vehicles that pass through the intersection each day.

Mr Koutsantonis said major construction work would start next year and finish in 2026.

“The intersection is a direct link between the city and the airport, and this upgrade will ensure that people can get to their destination on time,’’ Mr Koutsantonis said.

He said the affected business owners would be looked after.

A concept image of the proposed Sir Donald Bradman Drive and Marion Rd intersection upgrade.

“There are problems with compulsory acquisition, there always has been, it’s a very difficult process and one of the most powerful things a government can do,’’ he said.

“We will tread very gently and politely when we do it and make sure we look after households and businesses. I am making sure the department is doing it with a very light touch.’’

Boileau Business Technology is one of the properties that will be demolished and founder Angelique Boileau said it had been “traumatic’’ to receive a letter four months ago and then be told the building would have to go.

Boileau Business Technology on the corner of Sir Donald Bradman Drive and Marion Road is one of the businesses that will be acquired and demolished. Picture: Ben Clark

Mrs Boileau said the business had been on that site for 15 years and the building had been custom-built with the intention the company would never have to move.

“It will never be replaced,” she said.

“It’s irreplaceable this place, not just because of the building but because of the soul of this building.

“My daughter is an interior designer and she designed everything in this building for us, everything from the warehouse, to the workshop, to the showroom, to the boardroom, to the staff breakout areas. It was all built for Boileau and no one else but Boileau.’’

Mrs Boileau said she was not sure where the business would now go until the government advocate who has been appointed to find the new location can provide them with options.

But said she she hoped the government would recognise when deciding on compensation that it shouldn’t be based on just the “market value of the building’’.

The intersection of Sir Donald Bradman Dr and Marion Rd, looking south towards the airport.

The upgrades will include new turning lanes on Sir Donald Bradman Dr in both directions, along with an extended left-turn lane on Marion Rd (northbound) heading west on to Sir Donald Bradman Dr.

New bicycle lanes will be installed on all approaches, with pedestrian crossings to be upgraded to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

The project was first announced by the former Marshall government in 2021, which predicted the overhaul would be complete by 2024.