Centre of activity

As the lunchtime crowd filters through the doors of Delicia Acai and Protein Bar in the Elizabeth CBD, business owner, Thomas Cole (pictured), greets each customer with a broad smile from his position behind the coffee machine perched on the counter.

Taking orders for chickpea wellness bowls, oat lattes and protein shakes, he chats to his customers with warm familiarity.

“Seeing everyone’s smile as they come through the doors is the best part about going to work,” he said.

It’s something he’s enjoyed since opening Delicia Elizabeth in 2019, when it became one of the first businesses to take up residence alongside the new Prince George Plaza.

“The promise of the location is huge,” he said. “We opened just before COVID and all the restrictions hit, so there was a rough period. But we did what we needed to do and the support from our customers has been amazing. I have a big appreciation for those who have seen us through the tough times.” Welcoming contemporary cafes and restaurants like Delicia into the plaza is part of Council’s vision to reshape the Elizabeth CBD into a thriving retail, business and entertainment precinct.

Infrastructure investment in the project commenced in 2017, including the new Prince George Plaza, construction of a multi-deck carpark and more recently, the opening of the Grenville Hub and upgrades to Fremont Park.

Since mid-2021, Council has been working with industry to identify potential partners to privately develop other sites within the CBD. Stringent guidelines are in place to ensure the right mix of quality urban design is delivered, which may include retail, business, professional and entertainment offerings.

For business owners like Thomas, the transformation of the CBD holds great potential.

“It’s exciting knowing that there are big things to come,” he said. “I’m looking forward to more activity in the CBD and things really coming to life.”

Key decisions take project forward

At its meeting in April 2022, Council made a series of decisions to further progress the CBD project. The decisions bring us closer to understanding what types of buildings, services and experiences will form part of the revitalised city centre.

While the April Council meeting was confidential due to the commercial information contained within the proposals and the competitive nature of the process, we are sharing this information with you as we understand, and encourage community interest in this exciting project.

April 2022 key decisions

Preferred partners

To continue to progress discussions with selected preferred partners about specific opportunities for private investment in the CBD.

Core CBD land reclassified

Council ratified the former Minister for Local Government’s approval to revoke the community land classification for land in the core CBD site adjacent to the Playford Civic Centre.

Main North Road Gateway (Near Judd Road)

Not to proceed with development on land at the southern end of Main North Road (near Judd Road), at this time. As per our commitment to the community, these decisions were made after evaluating detailed proposals from proponents and listening to community feedback.

What it means for you and the CBD project

Council will continue working with its preferred partners to determine what buildings, services and experiences may be part of the revitalised CBD. Unfortunately, we can’t share anymore right now about the details of potential offerings, as the negotiations continue to remain confidential due to commercial information shared by preferred development partners.

Council is able to progress with contracts of sale on the land once ready to proceed. The proposed developments are privately funded. Encouragingly, the Minister’s response noted that developing the site will have a positive impact on the community.

Because development won’t proceed on the land at this time, we will not pursue an application to revoke the community status of this land. This is in addition to a decision by Council in November 2021 not to proceed with any development on the eastern side of Main North Road as part of this project. The uplift of the appearance of community land along Main North Road was to be funded by the development of gateway sites. As this is not occurring, the uplift of this green corridor will not proceed. It may be considered separately in the future.