woods bagot reveals design for adelaide central market arcade redevelopment

global design firm woods bagot has revealed the concept design for the A$400m redevelopment of the adelaide central market arcade. responding to the need for a modern hotspot that will elevate the profile of south australia’s coastal capital, the project will see two levels (8,000-plus sqm) of specialty retail, food and beverage, a central public hall, public rooftop gardens, education spaces, hotel, apartments, and offices added to the area. the mixed-use redevelopment will connect the arcade site to the adelaide central market – one of the world’s largest and most visited undercover fresh produce markets today – serving as a cornerstone of the broader market district.

all images courtesy of woods bagot

woods bagot has unveiled a design that reinstates the arches of the former grote street façade (partially demolished in the 1960s), adding a new social and commercial precinct supported by publicly accessible spaces on the ground floor and podium roof terraces. at the same, biodiverse roof terraces are to be planned as a green hub for lifestyle and hospitality experiences. the firm, which was founded in adelaide in 1869 with the purpose of designing for the future growth of the city and its people, has also planed for potential connections from the existing public car park over the market and 260 new parking spaces to provide much needed relief to the currently overloaded car park.

‘our design team has a local connection to this project,’ explains woods bagot associate principal and the project’s design leader, alex hall. ‘we live here, and visit the market regularly. this is an opportunity we meet with pride, sensitivity and a genuine desire to shape and evolve our city for the better.’

‘as part of a broader vision to attract the best and brightest people, the city’s intent is to transform the market precinct into one of australia’s most recognised lifestyle destinations,’ adds hall. ‘woods bagot proposes to capture the spirit of the market in the arcade redevelopment. the design for the new arcade will seamlessly integrate with the existing adelaide central market, which is being left untouched, by creating a continuous connection between the two neighbors.’

with construction set to break ground in 2021, woods bagot will now embark on a detailed design involving engagement with all stakeholders, the city of adelaide, and ICD property developer, to deepen its understanding of what’s needed – working through the entire planning process and guidelines. ‘the adelaide central market arcade has been a prominent community space for 150 years,’ says ICD property managing director, matthew khoo. ‘what we intend to do is enhance the existing structure by restoring and protecting heritage items and building complementary new assets that will become new amenities for the community to enjoy.’