Camera IconCredit: Supplied

Port Adelaide rejuvenation project finally underway

Ashleigh PisaniThe Advertiser

THE mood in Port Adelaide is infectious as the city buzzes with optimism.

After years of dashed hopes, the rejuvenation of the Port is finally under way and delivering new homes, major events and thousands of jobs as Government and private investors transform the area from a run-down ghost town to a popular port city reminiscent of Fremantle — only better, if you ask locals.

This week, local traders implored public servants who had “aesthetic” concerns about working in an industrial area to give Port Adelaide a go after it was revealed more than half of the 500 workers expected to staff the new $40 million office building in Port Adelaide were opposed to the move.

Roustabout Art owner Sarah-Jane Cook said those who had concerns were perhaps unaware of “how great the Port had become”.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“Maybe once they get here, they will actually realise it is a great place to work,” she said.

Port Adelaide MP Susan Close said workers “would love it once they get here.”

“We’ve seen businesses thrive and open up, facades fixed up, the fantastic Hart’s Mill upgrade, and events that have brought tens of thousands of people into the heart of Port Adelaide,” she said.

The $40m State Government building under construction on Nile St.
Camera IconThe $40m State Government building under construction on Nile St. Credit: Supplied, Ashleigh Pisani

The redevelopment of the first waterfront precinct, Dock One, has begun with the first of 750 homes by Starfish Developments due to start construction in April. This will be followed by another 500 homes by Cedar Woods at Fletcher’s Slip.

Dock Two is set to become a maritime-themed attraction with historic ships including the City of Adelaide on display.

And SA company Southern Sea Eagles has revealed plans to spend $5 million transforming Cruickshank’s Corner into a fishing-themed tourist attraction.

Southern Sea Eagles director Kyriakos Toumazos believes its plans are “perfectly aligned” with the vision of revitalising the Port.

Developer Hans Ehmann said the “rebirth of Port Adelaide had begun in earnest”. His $25 million Quest Hotel on the banks of the Port River had 30,000 guests stay in its first six months — many visiting Techport, where $90 billion worth of upcoming defence projects will be built.

“There is undeniably a buzz about the place that has been absent for a long time,” Mr Ehmann said. He is planning to build another hotel and a seven-storey apartment block for retirees at Queens Wharf.

The inspiration: Fremantle's Fishing Boat Harbour
Camera IconThe inspiration: Fremantle's Fishing Boat Harbour Credit: Supplied

Work will soon start on a new $16.4 million rail spur into the heart of the Port, improving access for residents and visitors.

Business is also booming in the Port — more than 20 new outlets sprang up in the district in 2017 including the Port Admiral Hotel, which reopened its doors after 10 years, following a $1 million renovation by local couple Alison Sloley and Adam Freeman.

Ms Sloley said so much had changed in the Port that its “dark days” couldn’t even be remembered any more.

“We’ll be much better than Fremantle — we’ve got so much to offer. We’ve got the museums, the arts community is so strong and there is so much already happening,” she said.

Later this year, South Australian craft beer business Pirate Life Brewing plans to open a new $10 million 250-seat brewery in Port Adelaide.

Chief executive Michael Cameron said Port Adelaide was a “great place”.

“With the developments starting it is a good opportunity to get in early, get a spot and be part of the refurbishment of Port Adelaide,” he said.