Grenfell and Currie streets in Adelaide CBD could become ‘public transport boulevard’, change planned for Hindley St
Planners will look at turning Grenfell and Currie streets into a “public transport boulevard” for easier access – and a Hindley St revamp also appears on the cards.
SA News
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A major CBD thoroughfare could become a permanent public transport corridor.
The State Government is looking at the viability of turning Currie and Grenfell streets, running east to west through the city, into a “public transport boulevard” as one of a raft of new planning suggestions.
Another review will look at making the popular Hindley Street nightclub strip more pedestrian-friendly.
Infrastructure Minister Corey Wingard has suggested Hindley Street could be in line for an overhaul as he spruiked the benefits of reduced traffic on the main street.
Currie and Grenfell streets have dedicated bus lanes but the government has confirmed “a new study will investigate the transformation of the corridor into a public transport boulevard … with a focus on creating a more customer-friendly and service-focused environment.”
Adelaide City Council Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said such a boulevard would make easy access for buses a priority, from “accessing bus stops to moving easily along the corridor”.
“Such a corridor would also create a safe and welcoming environment for pedestrians that would make the Currie- Grenfell corridor more than just a street to catch a bus,” Ms Verschoor said.
“It would be more of a destination in its own right.
“Achieving this will require careful consideration, however, as the Currie and Grenfell corridor serves a multitude of uses, with high pedestrian volumes, local access, loading and taxis all needing to be accommodated.”
Mr Wingard said that the government was keen to promote Adelaide’s status as one of the most liveable cities in the world. “It’s vibrant, accessible, safe and affordable,” he said.
“We’ll see how these planning studies unfold and then explore the options before making a decision.
“We do know that during Fringe, when Rundle Street is opened up to accommodate festival-goers, it works extremely well and provides far greater opportunities for local businesses.”
Opposition Transport spokesman Tom Koutsantonis said he had some concerns about a potential public transport boulevard.
“In 2014, the Liberals promised to remove dedicated bus lanes in Grenfell and Currie streets,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“I don’t think Mr Wingard has thought this through and has forgotten the challenges commuters and businesses face in the CBD.
“COVID has hit retailers and city businesses hard and any changes must take into account their concerns.”