State government to splash out $2m to make Adelaide streets greener, more shady

Shady lanes and cooler corridors – this is how Adelaide’s city streets will be made more attractive and comfortable.

A $5m state government cash splash will paint the town green, with leafy coverings designed to cool and enliven city streetscapes.

The Green Adelaide landscape management board will lead four initiatives: $2m for Greener City Streets, $1.5m for Wild Walls and Roofs grants, $1m for Cool Corridors, and $500,000 for Green Water Rebates over the next four years.

The Wild Walls and Roofs grants will provide CBD building owners with up to $50,000 to build green walls and roofs on commercial and residential dwellings.

New projects designed to cool and green the city centre will also be eligible for discounted water.

Planning for these programs is expected to begin early next year.

BEFORE: Topham Mall, near Currie St.

AFTER: Artist’s impresssions of Topham Mall after the Greening Adelaide streets scheme.

Environment and Water Minister David Speirs said heat and tree canopy mapping had revealed problem areas in need of intervention.

“We will partner with the City of Adelaide to make a focused effort to green and cool these areas through planting trees and other plants and building green roofs and walls,” Mr Speirs said. The Cool Corridor Program will create a green arterial system of streets and laneways “through the heart of the city” to reduce temperatures, improve liveability and increase economic activity.

“Green walls and roofs are an effective and alternative way to improve the visual amenity of the city, which improves wellbeing and encourages people to spend more time in an area, which helps stimulate our economy,” Mr Speirs said.

“They are also a way to reduce heat impacts where there is little space for street trees and parks.”

BEFORE: Leigh St looking toward Hindley St.

AFTER: Artist’s impresssions of Leigh St with a green banner.