‘Tram line would be sick’: New vision to transform Henley Beach Road into ‘thriving, cosmopolitan’ thoroughfare

A tram line, piazza, international dining precinct and housing are all ideas for a major revamp of a major Adelaide thoroughfare.

A tram line, a multicultural dining precinct and more housing could form part of a facelift for one of the busiest roads in Adelaide’s west.

West Torrens Council wants to revitalise Henley Beach Rd to improve its image, increase its appeal for businesses and visitors and transform it into a “thriving, cosmopolitan” boulevard.

Councillor Graham Nitschke, whose ward takes in the road, said the important thoroughfare was overdue for a revamp.

“It hasn’t had anything done to it for quite some time, about 30 years,” he said.

“Residents have even complained to me, saying it looks (like) it’s getting a bit tired.”

Council has engaged planning and urban design firm Jensen Plus to create a “vision” for around 3km of the urban corridor from Airport Rd to the Adelaide parklands.

Henley Beach road. Picture: Colin James

In its report, the firm suggests building on the international cuisines already offered in the area and creating a ‘Foods of the World’ global dining precinct, expanding visitor accommodation and offering short-term leases to try new concepts and address the high vacancy rate.

A new side street piazza for community and events, more outdoor dining in the shopping hub as well as additional greenery and parking are also among the ideas proposed for the area.

Cr Nitschke said like elsewhere, businesses in the area have been doing it tough but the revamp aimed to attract not only more foot traffic but also traders.

The multicultural thoroughfare has been the main road from the city to the seaside since the 1800s but Cr Nitschke said traffic has been a concern.

The firm’s report suggested improving public transport and cycling options, including through potential trams, high frequency services, low-emissions vehicles, priority lanes and a new “bike boulevard”.

“While two lanes of traffic is still required for most of the corridor, pedestrian priority places with wider footpaths and narrower road space could be considered in some precincts,” the report states.

“Slowing speeds and removing on-street parking along Henley Beach road could improve safety and facilitate other opportunities such as footpath widening”.

Many of the proposals with need the green light from the state government, which is responsible for the road.

Transport Department executive director Andrew Excell said the department supported the majority of the key elements outlined for improvement, noting that public transport “is our highest priority for this road”.

“It is envisioned that future upgrades to public transport along this corridor will be essential to move people throughout this region of metropolitan Adelaide,” he said in a letter.

Henley Beach Road.

The revamp has been backed by the majority of the 250 people who provided feedback on the proposals, with more transport options, greenery and dining among the popular suggestions.

“Tram line would be sick, protected bike lanes would be sick, wider footpaths would be sick,” said one resident.

“More greenery to the space would be greatly welcome. Often gets very hot and feels like a concrete jungle, and not designed for pedestrians and shoppers,” said another.

Jensen Plus suggests staging the roll out of the revamp over a 10-year time frame.