The redevelopment at the western end of Adelaide’s River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari has truly transformed the river. Find out how the Kaurna artworks are shaping up.
The final pieces of the puzzle for the Breakout Creek / Purruna Pari redevelopment at the western end of the Torrens are beginning to fall into place.
Since the site was reopened to visitors in September, work has continued on the installation of the elevated boardwalk that joins Linear Park to the neighbouring Apex Park.
The nearly 100-metre-long boardwalk has been fabricated off-site and is set to be one of the most spectacular elements of the redevelopment.
It will be fully accessible, providing the community with an additional wheelchair and pram accessible entry point into Breakout Creek / Purruna Pari.
And then there are the Kaurna artworks. These incredible sculptures are being created by talented Kaurna man Allan Sumner and his collaborators, Jason Balmer and Daniel Deck.
They’ll be dotted around the redeveloped area, providing a focal point for visitors and an opportunity to reflect on Kaurna culture relevant to the local area.
The artworks are expected to be installed from about February next year.
Without giving too much away at this stage, the artworks really are a sight to behold. The size and scale of the pieces, their incredible detail, and the imagination that’s gone into their creation is exceptional.
The sculptures are of local wildlife, grasses and shell formations, along with cultural symbols and instruments.
Once complete and painted with anti-graffiti coating, the artworks will be installed.
They’ll be located at the new Kaurna Reflection Space, as well as near the new footbridge, picnic shelters and staircases throughout the precinct. Trust us, you won’t miss them when you walk past!
Keen to see how the artworks are shaping up? Here’s a sneak peek:
Too much of a tease? Okay, here’s a bigger snippet of a couple of our favourites:
Ngudlitidli nuinpi (pouched lamprey)
Shellfish middens
Want to see more? Sign up to our mailing list to receive future project updates or stay tuned on Green Adelaide's social channels – we’ll reveal more as these artworks get even closer to completion and installation at Breakout Creek / Purruna Pari.
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.