Adelaide Design Manual-Small Streets and Laneways: Analysis and Case Studies

Abstract

For more than a decade, the Adelaide city centre has seen a slow leakage of after hours activity, options and intensity. On weekdays the working population would quickly leave the city for the surrounding and outer suburbs leaving a largely empty centre in the evenings and on weekends apart from Rundle Mall and the Central Markets precincts. Recently, however, there is evidence of the beginnings of a reversal of fortunes. The city centre is again becoming a destination beyond the working week. A number of contemporary, well patronised restaurants, bars and unique small businesses have begun to open, often in out of the way places on small streets and lanes, bringing new life and interest through the fine grain of the city. These changes are in their infancy, and there are many challenges to be resolved if the city centre is to reach its full potential as a vibrant, diverse and unique destination for all Adelaideans and visitors. The work of the Adelaide City Council (ACC), the State Government and a number of motivated individuals, along with the influence of similar trends in other Australian and international cities are contributing to the changes beginning in Adelaide. This manual is part of the work of the ACC, and aims to continue to assist in building the city as a great destination. The work of the State Government and lessons from other cities can and should also be utilised to ensure the greatest possible support is given to new activities, businesses and trends in the city centre. An increase in vitality will improve Adelaide as a destination for locals and tourists, and enhance the longer term attractiveness as a place to live, work and enjoy the city.