Renewal SA has secured $15 million in the State Budget to undertake major waterproofing works to the paved plaza north and south of the Intercontinental Hotel adjacent North Terrace.
The large-scale upgrade will include the installation of a high-quality waterproofing membrane and a new drainage system across a 6500sqm expanse of the plaza bordered by the Adelaide Railway Station on the east, the Intercontinental Hotel on the north and the Riverside Centre on the west.
Existing pavers and street furniture, including bins, bollards and planters within the project site will be removed to allow for the maintenance works, along with several pieces of public art. These elements will be reinstated post the works.
Renewal SA will coordinate the delivery of the waterproofing project on behalf of Adelaide Station and Environs Redevelopment Services Corporation (ASER) and will ensure surrounding stakeholders are kept informed throughout the works.
Renewal SA Executive Director, Property and Major Projects, Todd Perry said the maintenance works were complex but would ensure the continued functionality of the station long term.
“The area in question was built in the 1980s and modern technology and methods of waterproofing have advanced since then,” Mr Perry said.
“The drainage system is reaching the end of its useful life so we are stepping in to implement a waterproofing system that will deal with water ingress for the long term.
“As part of our wider strategic interest in the Riverbank Precinct we are committed and able to undertake this work for the comfort and safety of patrons who use this area daily and will work closely with other stakeholders including the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and rail provider Keilos Downer to ensure this work is completed successfully, with minimum disruption to the public.”
Project planning will begin next month to determine the delivery schedule of the works, which are anticipated to run over a three-year period commencing in FY23-24.
“We don’t anticipate there will be any disruption to rail operations or commuter experience,” Mr Perry said.
Above ground works will be carried out in a staged approach to ensure minimal disruption to workers and businesses in the area. The sequencing will be determined once a contractor has been appointed. All businesses, including the Intercontinental Hotel and shops/retail outlets within the station will remain open for the duration of the project.
Works will be restricted to daytime hours and wayfinding signage will guide pedestrians through the precinct while any required detours are in place.
Existing safety and water ingress mitigation measures within the station will remain in place whilst the waterproofing is completed.
Further information about the first stages of the maintenance schedule will be provided in due course.