CBD Rejuvenation
Port Pirie Regional Council decided to revitalise the Port Pirie CBD and enhance its image as a major retail and recreation destination for the Mid North region of South Australia.
The main aims of the project were to:
- Revitalise the public realm and retail environment to support local businesses and the community;
- Increase the profiles of Port Pirie’s main streets as ‘places for people’;
- Highlight the cultural and historical significance of Port Pirie through urban design and public art;
- Create a safe and attractive destination that caters to the Port Pirie community and wider region;
- Improve the streetscape for pedestrians including more shade, landscaping, improved wayfinding, better links between key destinations and use of interesting urban elements and materials;
- Improve the functionality of the streets for vehicles and other transport modes.
The Port Pirie CBD Upgrade project was designed to revitalise the Port Pirie City Centre and its environs, including the improvement of the streetscape, the alteration of associated signage, improved branding and essential infrastructure.
This project was based upon the findings of a Retail Assessment and Employment Lands Study and involves the Regeneration of the CBD environs to improve Port Pirie as a Regional Service Centre, increase retail spend and employment opportunities. The growth of the retail centre would improve employment and the attractiveness of Port Pirie as a place to live, work and invest.
Project Funding
The total cost of the upgrade works is in the order of $11 million. Council secured a total of $3.5 million to construct Stage 1 of the project in 2016. $1.5m of this funding has been sourced from the State Government’s Places for People program. Total funding for Stage 2 would be $6m. Construction of Stage 2 is subject to funding being made available. Funding for Stage 2 is currently being sought to upgrade the balance of Florence Street and Norman Street.
CBD Upgrade Design
Port Pirie Regional Council commissioned a team, led by Jensen Planning and Design, to undertake the detailed design of Stages 1 and 2 of the streetscape upgrade project. The team refined these ideas in throughout 2016 during the Concept Design phase.
The project involved improved landscaping, footpath paving, road surfaces and provision of suitable street furniture and installation of public art features.
CBD Upgrade - Stage 1 Construction
The Stage 1 Construction phase of the Port Pirie CBD Rejuvenation project was completed in June 2017. This Stage of the project involved construction of new hard surfaces, street furniture and landscaping in Florence Street (section from Norman Street to Alexander Street) and Alexander Street (section from Florence Street to Ellen Street).
Background Information
In 2013 Port Pirie Regional Council commissioned a Master Plan of the central business district in Port Pirie. The Master Plan included concepts for the streets to be included in Stage 1 of the streetscape upgrade project.
