Concept Image: City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters
Big things are coming for the inner-eastern suburbs this summer, as the highly anticipated upgrades at the St Morris Reserve are due to be revealed. On February 8th, the public is welcome to head down to the reserve and check out the changes made since the project kicked off in 2023.
Bigger, better and built for the future, the green space will reopen following a major transformation tied to one of Adelaide’s most significant stormwater upgrades. The St Morris Reserve Upgrade is part of Stage 4 of the Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade, a multi-million-dollar project designed to future-proof communities across St Morris, Trinity Gardens, Maylands and Stepney against extreme weather events. While much of the work has been happening underground, the above-ground results have been delivered with locals in mind.
Beneath St Morris Reserve, upgrades saw a new stormwater detention basin, engineered to help manage 1-in-100-year storm events and significantly reduce flood risk to surrounding homes and streets. But this isn’t just about the infrastructure, central to the project was making the reserve a modern community space that locals can enjoy year-round.
When the reserve reopens, visitors will be able to enjoy a range of new facilities designed with families, fitness fans and community groups in mind. There’s brand-new playground equipment shaded by sail structures, upgraded park furniture, picnic shelters, public toilets, improved paths and hard surfaces, and a refreshed basketball court. Landscaping and irrigation works have seen lawns, shrubs and more than 140 newly planted trees added to the reserve, making sure the space feels greener than ever.
The Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade project is being delivered by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, with design led by Stantec and Landskap, and construction by South Australian contractor Bardavcol. Plus, investment from the Federal Government contributed $9.9 million through its Preparing Australian Communities Program, matched dollar-for-dollar by Council, a near $20 million commitment.
While residents have seen roadworks and temporary closures over the past year, the payoff is now in sight, with key surrounding streets like Green Street, Seventh Avenue, Third Avenue, Glynburn Road and Gage Street having all seen drainage upgrades and resurfacing works, improving stormwater capacity and everyday road conditions.
The official opening event on Sunday, February 8th will be the beginning of a new chapter for the reserve. For locals who’ve patiently been waiting, this reopening is the return of a community spot, reimagined to meet the challenges of a changing climate while delivering a greener, more welcoming place to gather right in the heart of St Morris.
St Morris Reserve Opening
When: Sunday, February 8th
Where: Cnr Green Street & Seventh Avenue, St Morris Reserve
For more information, click here.
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