Image: A previous artist impression of a Hindley Street makeover
One of Adelaide’s best-known entertainment strips is set to undergo a major $50 million transformation, with Hindley Street to become one-way and gain wider footpaths, new greenery and more outdoor dining space.
The City of Adelaide and State Government have partnered on the once-in-a-generation redevelopment, designed to create a safer and more welcoming precinct during both the day and night.
Under the updated design, traffic will travel one way from east to west, creating additional space for pedestrians along the busy city street.
Wider footpaths, new pedestrian crossings, improved lighting and expanded CCTV coverage are among the key features planned for the upgrade.
The redevelopment will also introduce new street trees, raised garden beds, modern street furniture and greater capacity for cafés, restaurants and pubs to offer outdoor dining.
The intersection of Leigh Street and Bank Street, which serves as a major pedestrian link between the CBD and Adelaide Railway Station, will also be enhanced as part of the project.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said Hindley Street played a central role in Adelaide’s nightlife and attracted visitors from across Australia and overseas.
“The vision we are seeing today is about delivering a high-quality pedestrian experience through design features that create shade, wider footpaths and a safer environment for all,” he said.
The eastern Hindley Street redevelopment forms part of the City of Adelaide’s Main Street Revitalisation program and follows the upgrade of the street’s western end in 2013.
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said the eastern section was overdue for an update, having last undergone a major upgrade in 1999.
“A one-way design puts people first given that eight times more pedestrians than vehicles use Hindley Street during peak times,” she said.
Concept designs were developed following consultation with Hindley Street businesses, hotel operators and the wider community, with pedestrian safety and crowd management among the project’s priorities.
The updated design will soon be released for public feedback, with details about the consultation process and in-person engagement sessions to be published on the project website.
Construction is expected to begin in 2028.
