Adelaide’s City Cross is set to undergo a complete, $25 million transformation through a visionary design overhaul that will provide over 500 job opportunities throughout construction, revamping the tired aesthetic and attracting a sophisticated new clientele.
Perfectly situated in the heart of the CBD, linking Grenfell Street and Rundle Mall, the rejuvenated City Cross will be a must-visit destination for city workers, families, and visitors of all ages.
Renowned architect Buchan, the team behind the project, understands the vital connection between people and place.
“Design is not only about creating beautiful buildings; it is about creating engaging spaces and designing places people are drawn to,” said Buchan Principal Paul Harrison. “More than just transforming the appearance of City Cross, by thinking about the users – the city workers, the families, the weekenders – we designed a space to meet their needs, and to offer them a memorable experience at the centre of Rundle Mall.”
The architectural vision for the project was to create something timeless, reflective of its environment, and inspired by benchmarks like Pitt Street Mall in Sydney, Collins Street in Melbourne, and fashion precincts across Europe.
The new City Cross will be virtually unrecognisable from the existing linkage that locals have come to know. A series of soaring brick arches will replace the existing facade, transforming the streetscape and changing not only how visitors experience the centre but how they engage with the precinct.
The completely modernised interior will boast open plan design, creating a more natural flow through the space and showcasing authentic premium materials. Terrazzo, natural brickwork and white oak timber will deliver a refined look that is both modern and timeless. The custom arbours are a particularly unique feature that will define the look and feel of the revitalised centre. Lush greenery throughout will add a natural softness, to create a space that is engaging and welcoming.
The revamped centre will have space for over 70 retail tenants, along with a further 10 new office tenants, creating the ultimate all-in-one location.
“With City Cross, we had a clear vision to reinvent the entire visitor experience,” said Revelop Managing Director, Charbel Hazzouri.
“This is a location with enormous potential. We will harness that to create a vibrant and modern landmark destination.”
“For us, the choice of City Cross for our first SA flagship store was easy. The precinct is known nationally as one of the best locations for high street brands. The chance to be in this prime location, in a completely revitalised setting was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” said David Coombes, General Manager, Accent Group.
Rundle Mall attracts 30 million visitors a year. While other Australian CBDs have lost significant footfall as a result of COVID, SA outperformed the rest of the nation according to URBIS data published this year.
“The revitalisation of City Cross is a visionary project that will improve the Rundle Mall precinct shopping experience for residents and visitors, as well as having significant short and long term benefits for the local economy,” said Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor. “The planned restoration of the building facade is another great win for the city.”
The project is being submitted for DA approval in early October, with construction slated to start in 2022 with major works throughout the year. The builder partner is not yet appointed, however Revelop will engage a local tender in the coming weeks.