Port Adelaide masterplan includes library, event spaces and lower speed limits

The heart of Port Adelaide would be revitalised under a sweeping overhaul to breathe new life in the precinct, closing part of Commercial Rd and cutting speed limits.

A major community hub, library, event space and big changes to traffic movement are part of an ambitious plan to revitalise Port Adelaide’s main street and centre.

The local council this week endorsed its civic area precinct masterplan as it plants “long-term future development” of the area.

Developed with urban design and planning firm Jensen Plus, the plan proposes seven projects to “transform the civic heart of the Port”, with a multipurpose community hub and library forming part of a precinct “gateway”.

Upgrades to St Vincent St and Commercial Rd have been proposed as part of a plan to revitalise the Port. Pictures: Supplied

Speed limits could be reduced to 40km/h, including along St Vincent St west of Nelson St and Commercial Rd north of Grand Junction Road.

Upgrades to St Vincent St and Commercial Rd would make the area greener and more “pedestrian friendly”, including through connecting laneways and repurposing a road reserve at into lawns, a play area and seating.

A portion of Commercial Rd between Divett and Nile streets and the North Parade could be closed for pedestrians only.

An open space with lawns, a play area and seating have been proposed for Commercial Rd as part of the plan. Pictures: Supplied

A council spokesperson said the “exciting plan” would support business, culture and community life to “thrive in the heart of the Port”.

“It is a significant redevelopment that will create a vibrant heart of Port Adelaide in line with the broader regeneration of the Port, which is experiencing significant growth, with new commercial activity and large residential developments underway,” the spokesperson said.

Under the plan, Black Diamond Square would be revamped into a major event space that would extend across to a North Parade and McLaren Wharf St connection, which would be closed on event days.

Port Adelaide Enfield Council has released plans to revitalise the main street and centre. Pictures: Supplied

The plan also incorporates a private development, including the earlier announced $20m overhaul of the landmark Customs House precinct.

A previous proposal from landowners will seek to establish food and beverage tenancies along the wharf, three residential towers, carparking and two hotel developments east of Black Diamond Square.

The Port Environment Centre would be moved into the new community hub complex, the Nile Street public car park expanded and all-day parking for workers at the Hart’s Mill encouraged.

Images of the $20m Port Adelaide Customs House precinct redevelopment. Source: Supplied

Council noted the long-term project required substantial investment, planning and at least 10 years to complete.

According to its documents, funding for major capital works is expected to start becoming available only after 2029/30.

In the meantime, elected members voted to find new uses for untenanted sites including a former bank on St Vincent St and vacant land on North Parade as part of short-term efforts to continue reviving the area.