ART studios, an increase in open space and a new bridge across the River Torrens are among features of a draft masterplan for Thebarton.
The Thebarton Technology Hub Masterplan, funded by Bio-Innovation SA and West Torrens Council, focuses on the area between Port Rd, the River Torrens, South Rd, Phillips St and West Thebarton Rd.
The plan, which cost $85,000 to develop, was presented to the council last week and states that the “most critical” aspect of rejuvenating the area is reopening the Holland St Bridge.
The State Heritage-listed bridge, which connects Holland St with Adam St near the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, has been closed since 2010 after it was found at risk of failure.
Among other ideas for the area are a free bike rental service, building a second footbridge over the River Torrens at the end of Anne Nelson Drive near the South Rd cemetery and a new park at the corner of Dew St and West Thebarton Rd.
Bio-Innovation SA chief executive Greg Hall said the plans would help revamp the area’s industrial appearance and help Thebarton capitalise on nearby developments, such as the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.
“Its an opportunity to strategically link with the developments so that it is easy to travel from one to the other,” Mr Hall said.
He said the bridges, refurbished local roads and paths and landscaping would improve traffic flow between the developments.
The free bike service would mainly be used by staff and students travelling between the University of Adelaide’s Thebarton campus, the new Royal Adelaide Hospital and Bio-Innovation SA on West Thebarton Rd.
Mr Hall said it was too early say how much the plan would cost to implement but it could be staggered over decades.
The final plan is expected to be released for public consultation on Friday, May 17. Mr Hall will then work on costings for the project, before lobbying for funding from the state and federal governments and West Torrens Council.
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