Images: Revised Draft Master Plan
The Semaphore Foreshore has been a cornerstone of the local community for decades, hosting a variety of events, from the annual Adelaide International Kite Festival to epic New Year’s celebrations. It’s also been a family-friendly hotspot for picnics and catch-ups, just steps away from the sandy beach.
That very spot is set to be redeveloped, with the City of Port Adelaide Enfield putting out different iterations of the master plan out over the past few years. Following community feedback on their last master plan, the council has released a revised draft.
Developed in response to concerns while retaining beloved aspects, the plan seeks to enhance the Semaphore experience while preserving its unique character. The new plan lays out a relocated train station, an area for markets and events spillover, and activity hub with a skate park, half court basketball court, outdoor exercise facilities, new shelters spaces, a new cafe and kiosk, a new waterplay area, the Central Plaza with War Memorial Monument and more.
One notable aspect of the plan is its commitment to maintaining Semaphore’s distinct identity. Materials indigenous to Semaphore will be utilised, and monuments will remain in their current positions within the central plaza.
Constructed in 1925, the Semaphore War Memorial Clock Tower Cenotaph stands as a striking granite tower adorned with a marble figure, known as ‘The Semaphore Angel.’ This elegant monument replaced a makeshift wooden and iron arch that once stood at the entrance to the Jetty, serving as a Roll of Honour.
In response to community requests for more green space, the new plan allocates an additional 814m² for recreational and family activities, reducing paved areas by the same measure. The Carousel, a beloved and well-known attraction of the area, will undergo upgrades while remaining in its current location, accompanied by an expanded events and amusements space.
Improvements to the steam train station and surrounding area aim to enhance the experience for visitors, while the Activity Hub will see upgrades and an extension, including amenities such as a and basketball half court, a skate plaza and outdoor fitness equipment.
Addressing concerns regarding sun and rain protection, the plan includes extensions to existing shelters and the addition of further shelters and trees throughout the site. Water play and Kaurna storytelling will remain integral elements of the foreshore experience.
Connectivity and safety are prioritised with the continuation of shared pathways along the promenade, facilitating pedestrian and cyclist movement.
The redevelopment proposal for the central plaza follows the closure of the Semaphore waterslide in October 2021, deemed unsafe and economically unviable for repair by the Port Adelaide Enfield Council. This decision marked the end of a 30-year era for the iconic waterslide, prompting a reevaluation of foreshore amenities and necessitating the current master plan revisions.
Overall, the Semaphore Foreshore Revised Draft Master Plan reflects a collaborative effort to address community feedback and enhance Semaphore’s appeal while preserving its unique charm. Community engagement remains paramount as stakeholders are encouraged to contribute their thoughts and ideas to shape the future of Semaphore Foreshore by Sunday 10th May 2024.
For more information and to have your say, head here.
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