Located just five minutes north Adelaide’s CBD, the City of Prospect has a population of 19,000 people. It offers all the advantages of inner urban living in a family orientated environment. Renowned for its emphasis on community arts and culture, Prospect is a great place in which to live, work, shop or enjoy leisure activities.
“We are proud to call ourselves a ‘creative community’’’ said the Mayor, Mrs Kristina Barnett. “At the same time, this is a caring community where people feel very comfortable.”
She said that Prospect has undergone the full urban circle. Predominantly an ageing population, more recently many young families have moved into the area. Council works hard to meet the needs of all residents but is mindful of increased demands from this influx of young families, children and youth.
With its Federation architecture very much a hallmark of the area, the City of Prospect is determined to strike a balance between development and preserving both its built and natural attributes.
New arts path well supported
Created over several years, the St Helens Park arts path is a spectacular example of what can be achieved through an innovative community arts program. As part of the Prospect Fair on 10 March, residents and visitors were invited to design a tile for a new arts path in the Memorial Gardens.
Assisted by a local Rotary Club, some 500 tiles were created during the Fair. Rotarians delivered the tiles to the Park and then transported the completed works to the supplier for firing.
Over the next year, more tiles will be designed at shopping centre venues, through workshops and by local schools.
The arts paths are made up of panels comprising 25 tiles. The bulk of these are designed and created by individuals in the community. Some tiles are the work of local artists, and groups often work on a full panel using a particular theme.
The aim is to complete the Memorial Gardens path within 12 months.
A public arts mecca
With a well established reputation for promoting community arts, Council’s Prospect Gallery is nationally renowned as a quality exhibition venue.
Since opening in 1988, the Gallery has staged many exhibitions. There is a new exhibition every month, except in January and October.
As well as solo and group shows, specific exhibitions coincide with annual events, such as the Adelaide Festival of Arts and Come Out.
Two major exhibitions are held during December and January on alternate years. They are the Prospect Portrait Prize, a national event for professional artists working in any medium, and the Prospect Community Show, which is open to everyone who lives or works in Prospect.
Exhibition openings are held on the first Sunday of the month. There is an open invitation to anyone who wishes to attend. The opening of the March exhibition, ‘Dream Escapes’, attracted between 400 and 500 people.
“This is a fabulous display put together by local children,” said Gai Dudley, Council’s Community Arts Officer. “Works have been created through our children’s art classes and local primary schools.”
The Gallery is very popular all year round.
“Conveniently located next to the library, a steady flow of people come through the Gallery to view the displays and enjoy a cup of coffee,” Gai Dudley said. “Access for people with a disability is a key design feature.”
Adjacent to the Gallery is the Studio. This is a large space designed for multi purpose use. As well as providing space for smaller exhibitions, groups or individuals can hire the Studio for workshops, classes, rehearsals or meetings.
Prospect Gallery staff also conduct art classes for adults and children in the Studio throughout the year.
Prospect Road comes alive
Busy Prospect Road is being transformed into a vibrant and attractive precinct through a Main Street project.
“As well as upgrading Prospect Road itself, the aim is to slow traffic to make the area safer and improve the visual amenity,” said Mario Russo, Manager Planning and Environmental Services.
This has been achieved with the construction of a median strip with right turn refuges, including planting of trees and landscaping in the median strip.
“The idea is to slow traffic in Prospect Road so people can see what is available, encouraging them to park and spend time in the area,” he said.
Encouraging shop owners and business proprietors to improve the attractiveness of their premises is also part of the Main Street project.
“Council is also attracting new businesses such as restaurants to come into the area,” Mario Russo said. “In this way, more people will come to the area, especially in the evening, thereby improving the economic viability of the precinct.”
The Prospect Road Main Street Association has developed a business plan that is promoting the shopping strip and enhancing its popularity.
With parking a key issue for many shopping strips, Council has been working with shop owners, negotiating agreements that have resulted in disused backyards being turned into additional parking spaces.
“This is a win win for everyone concerned,” said Mayor Kristina Barnett. “More passing trade for local business, improved facilities for shoppers and Council has not had to spend money acquiring land to meet this need.”
Council is presently looking at opportunities for community art to be incorporated in the design. Sculptures may be placed at either end of the median strips and artwork is being looked at along the street itself. Sketches of the proposed artworks along the street will be presented to the local shopkeepers and residents prior to final selection.
“This project is ongoing even though the major street works have now been completed,” Mario Russo said.
Managing the natural environment
Conscious of its role in the wider catchment area, in recent years Prospect has put in place various programs to ensure its underground drains are not contributing to the pollution of waterways or coastal areas.
Working with neighbouring Councils, this project has been extremely successful, culminating in the creation of the Barker Inlet Wetlands.
More recently, Council has received a grant of $15,000 from the Torrens Water Catchment Board to undertake a feasibility study into creating a wetland precinct on disused railway land.
“We have reached agreement with owners of the land, Transport SA, to proceed with the study,” said Jason Kuchel, Manager Infrastructure Services.“Our aim is to pre treat water before it reaches the Barker Inlet Wetlands. Currently an eyesore, this project has the potential for water reuse and providing additional recreational and open space.
“Moreover, being located between two major arterial roads, it would create an attractive gateway to this part of the City.”
