A shining statement of confidence in the future of the City of Playford is the $12.6 million Civic Centre opened in March 2004. The Playford Civic Centre, a 5,300 square metre facility specifically targeted for community use rather than for administration, boasts a new library, café, function centre, theatre, public meeting rooms, customer service centre and Council Chambers.
Bold, angular design features together with a striking colour selection have created a prominent structure at the principal gateway to the northern regional centre for metropolitan Adelaide. These same features are translated into an impressive but relaxed and inviting interior.
While not pretentious in its presentation, the Civic Centre boasts the latest technology in facility management software that ensures the most efficient use of power and water. This technology is most apparent throughout the library complex with particular emphasis in the Technology Room, a computer based training facility.
The Shedley Theatre received a total refurbishment and has rekindled community arts in Playford through the provision of a modern, professional, performance venue.
The multi purpose function centre with its flexible configuration has been an outstanding success for anything from important family events through to multinational corporate conferences.
The development of the Playford Civic Centre was not confined to a building. An entire new road, Playford Boulevard, was constructed with a high level of urban design featuring wrought iron fences, a unique bus shelter with design input from local youth, wide pedestrian pavement and special street lighting.
The centrepiece of the landscaping effort is the Civic Square with the imposing beauty of Australian bottle trees.
The timing and location of this significant public investment was no accident. For years it had been identified that the Regional Centre was in decline and Council had a responsibility to reignite the community and commercial confidence in the city centre.
The Civic Centre project has had a major impact on the resurgence in investment evident throughout the rest of the city centre since it opened in 2004.
