Mayor Amanda Wilson attempts to lure visitors to dine surrounded by Jetty Rd construction amid backlash
Enjoy a cuppa with a side of construction dust - that’s the reaction to the mayor’s pitch to lure visitors to Glenelg as she faces mounting scrutiny over the $40m project.
Glenelg’s mayor is attempting to lure visitors back to Jetty Rd touting new outdoor dining spaces and free carparking surrounded by construction, as she faces growing scrutiny over the upgrade’s management.
The $40m development – including 700ms of pavement works that began three months ago – has come under fire from industry experts because of Holdfast Bay Council’s lack of consultation.
Local traders have also voiced despair as multiple businesses shut their doors for good, some reduce operating hours and others are forced to take out loans to keep afloat.
Amid the backlash mayor Amanda Wilson posted a video to the council’s Facebook page, inviting people to view the “progress” of the “once-in-a-generation development”.
“Outdoor dining is back at Jetty Rd, Glenelg,” Ms Wilson said.
“Our footpaths are much wider, there’s a lot more room for open dining … (and) a lot more room for people to walk.”
The pavement could also be used as a parking spot, she later adds.
In the minute long video Ms Wilson stands next to the closed road where a roller truck smooths fresh bitumen and said works are “starting to take shape” down at the “Colley end”.
Ms Wilson also pitched the “giant” Partridge St carpark offering all day free parking.
Reactions to the video have been mixed with many applauding the work and others complaining about the construction noise and dust.
It comes after the construction’s latest casualty, Yiros Shack Cafe, closed its doors after more than 30 years due to plummeting profits.
Another business significantly affected by the redevelopment is the Stamford Grand Adelaide hotel, with management pulling out of crisis talks with the Holdfast Bay Council.
The hotel, which has threatened legal action against the council over claims of “false and damaging” statements about its request for financial compensation, has been forced to cut opening and staff hours after the council rejected rate relief over the Jetty Rd works.
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Originally published as Mayor Amanda Wilson attempts to lure visitors to dine surrounded by Jetty Rd construction amid backlash
