New look for Rundle Mall laneways
The James Place laneway connecting Rundle Mall and Grenfell Street is getting a $1.5 million upgrade, while Charles Street nears completion of its pedestrian-only transformation. See the pictures.
The Adelaide City Council today announced they’ll revitalise James Place, with the state government committing $500,000 towards upgrading the north-south thoroughfare running behind the recently completed $450 million King William Street tower development.
The upgrade to James Place will include high-quality paving, feature lighting, public artwork, bollards and greening.
It’s currently in the design phase, with the total upgrade estimated to cost $1.5 million and works anticipated to start before the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
In the past year, James Place has become home to two new eateries, pizza and focaccia café Bolla Milano and the third iteration of Bottega Bandito, the Prospect sandwhich shop that made its way to the CBD.
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said both the James Place upgrade and ongoing works to upgrade Charles Street are an opportunity to “improve key laneways”.
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“James Place is a hive of activity with fantastic new and existing food and retail offerings but there’s opportunities for improvements such as extra greening and we look forward to sharing our ideas that will build on the recent momentum and investment in the laneway,” she said.
“Visitors to Charles Street can expect to see an upgrade that prioritises pedestrians with kerbing removed, high-quality stone paving and improved street lighting.”
A render of the upgraded Charles Street, viewed from North Terrace. This picture: City of AdelaideCharles Street is going car-free, blocking access to general traffic, improving disability access and improving lighting, greening, stormwater drainage, paving and safety bollards.
The Charles Street project cost $5.92 million, including a $1 million state government contribution and created about 36 jobs during construction.
When the Charles Street upgrade was first announced, there were concerns about the works disadvantaging local businesses.
View of the current works on Charles Street from Rundle Mall. This picture: Helen Karakulak/InDailyMitico coffee shop located on Charles Street shared on their Instagram just last month that they’re receiving questions every day about the upgrades, hearing from customers “it looks like you’re closed”.
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Mitico said in their Instagram post the construction in front of their store has been “an extremely overwhelming experience”.
Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood said it’s “vital” to continue to support businesses during the works.
“During the works, it’s incredibly important that we continue to support the local small businesses at their heart,” Hood said.
“Whilst these businesses stand to benefit from the improved amenity that will come from the upgrades, showing our support during the construction period is vital.”
A render of the new look for Charles Street. This picture: City of AdelaidePlanning minister Nick Champion said the two upgrades, Charles Street and James Place, are “important projects to improve the vibrancy, connectivity and safety of CBD laneways.
“The Charles Street upgrade will remove general vehicles from an important tourism connector, while the revitalisation of James Place will benefit the thousands of commuters who use this laneway every day,” he said.
“I congratulate the City of Adelaide for its ongoing efforts to activate laneway spaces in the CBD and I look forward to seeing the finished upgrades.”
Charles Street works are due to be finished in February 2025. James Place works are due to start by the end of the current financial year.