Work will begin shortly to make Whitmore Square/Iparrityi cleaner, greener and safer for the community to enjoy.
New features of the Greening Project will include a foot path around the northern perimeter of the square as well as an increase in the number of mature trees and improved community amenities.
City of Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the Whitmore Square/Iparrityi Greening Project is an important upgrade contributing towards Council's Strategic Plan to make Adelaide the most liveable city in the world.
"There's more people choosing to live in the south-west of the CBD and this will be an important space for them to exercise, socialise and enjoy the beauty of one of our main parks," said the Lord Mayor.
"One of the key pillars of our Strategic Plan is Environmental Leadership and by planting more trees we're reducing the heat island effect in the City as well as creating a dynamic area for the community.
"This upgrade has been developed in consultation with SA Police and by improving the square, it's hoped more people will visit the space, making it a safer place for all to enjoy."
The Whitmore Square Greening Project will be undertaken by the City of Adelaide with funding from the State Government through the Open Spaces Grants.
This project is the next stage of the Whitmore Square/Iparrityi Master Plan, after the completion of stage one earlier this year which improved traffic safety around the park, as well as providing easier accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
Local Government Minister Vickie Chapman said the upgrade is an important investment in the City.
"More than 4,000 people live within close proximity to this park, so this is a really important green space for that community," Minister Chapman said.
"The State Government and the City of Adelaide share an objective to encourage more people to live in the City and creating community spaces like this is an important drawcard.
"We know there have been safety issues in this square but I'm confident the proposed improvements will help transform the area into a lively community space."
This project follows a $5 million commitment from the State Government and City of Adelaide to develop three other sites across the city. Paxton's Walk will get a $2 million upgrade, Infrastructure in Rundle and Rymill Parks will receive over $2 million while the laneways around the new Sofitel Hotel will be revived.
Construction on the upgrade will start soon and will be completed by the end of the year, conditions allowing.
