New concept designs for a $15m upgrade of Hindley Street by the City of Adelaide have been released for community feedback.
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said the upgrade would revitalise the street between Morphett Street and King William Street with trees, new lighting, wider footpaths and pedestrian crossings.
"As most South Australians would know, Hindley Street is desperately in need of a refresh - it was last upgraded in 1999," said the Lord Mayor.
"This long overdue revitalisation is about putting people first as eight times more pedestrians than vehicles use Hindley Street at peak times.
"The upgrade will provide a high-quality pedestrian experience through design features that create shade, wider footpaths and a safer pedestrian environment by slowing traffic.
"The concept designs have been developed following extensive consultation with the community, including Hindley Street business owners and hotel operators.
"We will now seek further feedback from key stakeholders and the public before we finalise the designs, with construction hopefully starting by the end of the year."
Key features of the upgrade include improved street lighting and CCTV, trees to provide more shade, raised garden beds, modern street furniture and wider footpaths for outdoor dining.
Hindley Street will be narrowed to reduce vehicle speed, while three upgraded pedestrian crossings will be installed to improve safety, including a raised wombat crossing.
The busy Leigh Street and Bank Street intersection, a main pedestrian thoroughfare between the CBD and Adelaide Railway Station, will be enhanced with new features.
New public toilets will be installed in Produce Lane once existing facilities are demolished in coming months.
The Lord Mayor said the project had been designed to encourage a blend between Hindley Street's distinctive day and nighttime economies.
"This end of Hindley Street is part of our premier entertainment precinct but has become tired and needs to be upgraded," the Lord Mayor said.
Drop-in sessions displaying the concept designs will be held at the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra offices on Hindley Street for stakeholders on Tuesday 30 April and the public on Thursday 2 May 2024.
