The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Adelaide Martin Haese and Deputy Premier of South Australia, John Rau, reflect upon Bank Street’s newest installation by local artist Jason Sims.
Bank Street, the northern gateway into the Market to Riverbank link, and Topham Mall North, the heart of the link, have been transformed with new lighting, paving, greening, street furniture and public art installations.
The improved link will connect the Adelaide Riverbank to the Adelaide Central Market through easily navigated, comfortable and accessible public spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.
This will increase foot traffic from 15,000 to 21,000 pedestrians each day by 2019; have a total of $34 million impact on local economy; and create over 100 jobs.
In June 2016, the South Australian state government and City of Adelaide committed $14.6 million to transform a network of small streets and laneways between the Adelaide Central Market and the Adelaide Riverbank to create a destination where communities and businesses can thrive.
One million dollars has been invested in placemaking initiatives to further economic vitality and job creation by providing opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and creative thinkers to activate the small streets and laneways of the Market to Riverbank link. As part of this funding, $200,000 has been allocated for the Shop Front Improvement Grant program that will enable businesses and property owners to match the grant funding and apply for up to $10,000. These shop front visual improvements will create further economic benefits through stimulating small business growth, creating more jobs and encouraging new business and private investment.
Public art will also play an integral role in transforming spaces into places and new art installations will be located throughout the Market to Riverbank link. Local emerging artist, Jason Sims, was appointed through an Expression of Interest tender for public art. His new art installations will transform both Bank and Pitt Streets with intriguing public art that will challenge one’s imagination throughout the day and night.
The renewal of the laneways has been shaped by the community, small businesses and local traders through engaging with Renewal SA and City of Adelaide.
Stage Two of the Market to Riverbank link is expected to commence in January 2018.