City Deal’s first year sees Adelaide flying into a bright future

Adelaide’s City Deal is delivering for the South Australian capital, with the first annual report showcasing a boost for the local economy through job-creating investments.

The report highlights how the Deal is leveraging Adelaide’s strengths to make the city an even better place to live, supporting local businesses and bolstering the city’s status as an innovation hub.

The $649 million, 10-year deal between all three levels of government is also building on the city’s global reputation as a cultural destination.

Achievements during the City Deal’s first 12 months include:

  • Opening the Australian Space Agency Headquarters in February which is already supporting 20 employees.
  • Grant awarded to local company Saber Astronautics to develop the new state-of-the-art Mission Control Centre.
  • Construction began last week on the Australian Space Discovery Centre which is on track to open in early 2021.
  • An Expression of Interest released for the world-class Entrepreneur and Innovation Centre – which will be the centrepiece of Lot Fourteen.
  • Awarding of two new contracts to deliver the $5.5 million Carrick Hill visitor centre pavilion.
  • Approval of the implementation plan for the $3 million Aboriginal Entrepreneur Hub.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said a number of key projects under the Deal were transforming Lot Fourteen in the north-eastern corner of Adelaide’s CBD into a world-leading innovation precinct.

“Lot Fourteen is the centrepiece of the Adelaide City Deal, creating jobs across a range of high-tech and high-growth sectors,” the Premier said.

“It’s already home to the Australian Space Agency, SmartSat CRC, Mission Control and the Space Discovery Centre.

“The precinct is generating jobs for current and future generations – which will be critical in the state’s economic recovery from the global coronavirus pandemic.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the City Deal was delivering projects that were supporting jobs, local businesses and the economy.

“These projects are building on what’s already great about Adelaide, making it an even better place to live, visit, study, work and do business,” Mr Tudge said.

“We’ve achieved great momentum in the first year and we’re going to carry that through, especially at a time when Adelaide and South Australia, like the rest of Australia, need the economic stimulus.”

Lord Mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor said the City Deal was also delivering projects to improve the local experience on a number of fronts, including making the city safer and better connected.

“The City of Adelaide has already completed initial scoping work for a suite of smart city technology and infrastructure projects, with development of a business case and project plan currently on track to be finalised by the end of the year,” Lord Mayor Verschoor said.

“These projects will deliver technologies like closed circuit television, smart lighting and digital wayfinding to improve connectivity and safety in the city centre and deliver a better experience for residents, visitors, workers and businesses alike.”

Significant progress has also been made by the South Australian Government on revitalising the Mitcham Hills Trail and Glenthorne Loop to showcase the beautiful natural and cultural experiences the city has to offer.

Work on the Marion Coast Walking Trail at Hallett Cove Conservation Park has already been delivered and the revitalisation of some of Adelaide’s major cultural tourist attractions including Kingston House, Wittunga Botanic Garden and Old Government House is underway.

The Adelaide City Deal is a 10-year, $649 million agreement between the Australian and South Australian Governments and the City of Adelaide.

/Public Release. View in full here.