About the Project

Renmark Paringa Council has resolved for the site at 180 Murray Avenue to be converted to open space to link in with the  Taylor Riverfront Precinct.

Renmark Paringa Council engaged urban designers Jensen Plus to design a concept for the redevelopment of land at 180 Murray Avenue into public open space which went to tender in September 2023 after the final design concept from Jenson Plus was endorsed by Council.

The demolition aspect of this project was undertaken by Royal Park Salvage in August 2023.

Following the tender process award winning landscapers LCS Landscapes were awarded the works of both 180 Murray Avenue Open Space Redevelopment and Paringa Town Centre Revitalisation. LCS have previously worked with Council on the Taylor Riverfront Precinct. They won the ALIA SA Landscape Architecture Awards, SA Regional Achievement Parks and Open Space for the project. Council are excited to see the neighboring work of 180 Murray Avenue Open Space Development to come together in 2024.

Due to the current economic climate with inflation and construction cost pressures at such a high level, Council have acknowledged the need for a more economical approach. As a result, the concept design has been carefully adapted to ensure cost effectiveness with a focus on the community’s original intent of the site, being activated open space, irrigated turf, views of the river and a link to the Taylor Riverfront Precinct.

Whilst there was considerable support for the inclusion of a toilet, the construction ($230,000) and ongoing maintenance costs ($20,000/year) of this inclusion exceeded the project budget, and it is not considered feasible to construct at this time. Provisions however will be included to allow a toilet to be constructed in the future.

To increase the accessibility of the existing public toilet which is adjacent to the site along Renmark Avenue, a raised pedestrian crossing on Murray Avenue will be constructed which will increase safety, naturally calm traffic, and give pedestrians priority. Council hopes that the implementation of this feature will create an environment that caters to the needs of the community whilst promoting a safer and more inclusive community space.

Timeline

The demolition aspect for this site was released for tendering in early 2023 and were awarded to Royal Park Salvage. All demolition works are now complete.

Works at the site are scheduled to begin in February 2024.

Key points on the demolition can be viewed here

Open Space Redevelopment

LCS and Council are currently working towards the final design stages of this exciting project and plan for construction to begin early 2024 and concluding mid 2024 with the construction crew then mobilising to the Paringa Town Centre Revitalisation.

You can learn more about this project through the project page: Paringa Revitalisation Project

Long-term Objective

The Riverland region is best known for its serene views and adding open space allows for of the community and tourists to utilise these popular areas.

Consultation

The open space redevelopment designs and plans were open to community consultation from 8 July to 31 July 2023. During this period the community had the opportunity to submit their feedback on the proposed design and plan through a survey, at the Riverfront Markets or in person at the Council Civic Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Council demolish the building? Is it heritage listed?

Council resolved to convert the site at 180 Murray Avenue to open space in February 2022 taking into consideration the submissions received from the community engagement completed in December 2020.

Despite the building being built in 1937, it isn’t heritage listed.

What’s going to happen to the site after demolition?

Once the demolition works are complete, the site will remain fenced until the open space portion of works are ready to begin construction.

Did the community have a say on the designs?

Yes, the community had an opportunity to  submit their feedback on the proposed design and plan during a period of community consultation from 8 July to 31 July 2023.

How much does this project cost?

This project is funded through Council’s Annual Business Plan. The demolition costs are within the allocated budget.

The concept designs will be developed taking into consideration the suggestions submitted through the consultation period and the current financial conditions Council and the community are facing.

Why can’t council put a public toilet in this space?

Council plan on the redevelopment to have the capacity to have a public toilet added in the future if deemed necessary. Council endorsed for a public toilet not to be added at this stage due to community feedback and costs. With the addition of a wombat crossing, access to the toilets on Murray Avenue will be easier and safer.

Will there be a fence between the open space and the Renmark Club?

The fence between the open space redevelopment and the Renmark Club will be upgraded and maintained.

Project Contact:

Shannon Baxter | Acting Manager Infrastructure Services

P 8580 3000   |  council@renmarkparinga.sa.gov.au