Works are nearing completion for the Stage 3 redevelopment of Adelaide's Breakout Creek. Find out how some of the key elements are coming together.
The westernmost section of Adelaide’s River Torrens/Karrawirra Pari – known as Breakout Creek – is in the final stages of a redevelopment
that’s been taking place since March last year.
These works have seen this 1.5 km stretch of the river between Tapleys Hill Road in Lockleys and the West Beach outlet transformed from an artificial channel to a more natural waterway.
With the linear park expected to be open to the public mid-year, here’s a sneak peek into what’s been happening behind the fences since our last update:
1. River crossing is being constructed
Construction is underway on the new pedestrian river crossing about halfway between Seaview Road and Tapleys Hill Road.
The 35 m crossing will give visitors an extra way to hop across to the other side of the river – which is perfect if you don’t want to walk all the way to the main roads to cross over like you had to before the redevelopment.
The crossing is fully accessible and joins the main accessible paths on the north and south sides of the river.
The initial concept plans for this project identified 2 possible new crossings – this one, and another one closer to the beach.
We couldn’t go ahead with the crossing near Seaview Road, but the Seaview Road bridge is only 250 m further west.
2. Kaurna Reflection Space is being finalised
Work at the Kaurna reflection space is coming along nicely, with the Kaurna shield design being created out of different coloured paths and garden beds being planted.
Developed with the involvement of Kaurna artist Allan Sumner, this space is tucked on the northern side of the river and will provide a quiet space for visitors to reflect on Kaurna culture and history.
3. Northside wetlands are being planted
Planting is underway in the wetlands on the north side of the river, with the southern wetlands planting starting soon.
These wetlands include species like bare twig-rush (Baumea juncea), water-milfoil (Myriophyllum crispatum), water ribbons (Triglochin procerum), and even coast saw-sedge (Gahnia trifida) – a threatened species.
These plants will provide habitat for water creatures and insects, help clean the water flowing through the wetlands, and look beautiful – just as an added bonus.
Wondering about the other plantings throughout the site? More than half of the 42,000 square metres of garden beds have now been planted – that’s more than 100,000 individual plants.
4. Staircase handrails are being installed
The site has 11 new staircases to help visitors get into and around the linear park.
Handrails are now being installed – the last step (*pun intended) in the construction of these staircases.
5. Picnic shelters are going up
Five new picnic shelters, with tables and seats are now being constructed throughout the precinct.
They’ll provide a great shady spot for a bite to eat while enjoying the view when the space reopens.
6. Viewing platforms are on the way
Six new viewing platforms will soon be installed at focal points along the river – they’ll get you up close to the plants and animals making their homes here.
Still to come
One of site’s drawcards will be the new elevated boardwalk which will provide an accessible path to the neighbouring Apex Park, which is undergoing a makeover of its own.
The boardwalk has been fabricated off-site and is now complete – it will be installed later in the year and is estimated to be completed early next year, after the linear park is open and the ground dries out.
Stay tuned
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The project is a $18.7 million partnership between Green Adelaide, the City of Charles Sturt, the City of West Torrens, the South Australian Department for Trade and Investment through the Planning and Development Fund, the Australian Government through the Environment Restoration Fund, and SA Water. The project is committed to working with the Traditional Owners of the Adelaide plains, the Kaurna people.