The City of Charles Sturt recently completed an $8.4 million redevelopment of Henley Square, one of Adelaide’s most popular coastal destinations.
Completed in December, the project was undertaken with assistance from both the State and Federal Governments (who each provided $2 million in funding). Upgrades include reconfigured car parking, renovated and expanded lawn areas, a new promenade path, additional seating, a new event space, interactive beach showers, and a new community plaza with shade, additional outdoor dining capabilities and a water feature.
Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans said the aim of the redevelopment was to take a strategic approach to the space to ensure it would best meet the community’s needs, both in the present and future.
“There was a strong desire from our community to maximise the potential of this space, but in the past a somewhat piecemeal approach had been taken towards upgrading the Square,” Mayor Evans said.
“We went into this project with a strong focus on creating a cohesive space, and ensuring connectivity and integration between the different sections of the Square, right through to the beach.”
“We also wanted to make sure the new space facilitated commercial and economic vibrancy as well as meeting the needs of residents and visitors.”
The Henley Square upgrade works commenced in April 2015, and in total incorporated 1,000m2 of timber, 4,100m2 of paving, 180m of new seating, 400 tonnes of steel, 180m of new balustrade, and 3,000m2 of new turf.
Mayor Evans said the response from residents, visitors and local traders to the completed works had been overwhelmingly positive.
“What we’re seeing now is an influx of new businesses into the precinct, with at least seven opening over the past few months, and more still to come.”
“This renewal is fantastic for the local community as well as the precinct’s long term traders. You only need to visit the Square on the weekend – or even a sunny weekday – to see that people are responding to these changes and making Henley their seaside
destination of choice.”
