Twin St as an 'activated laneway'
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 5:47 am
NB: This is not a thread about the merits of the proposed Hines Ibis hotel project at 122 Grenfell Street, nor is it about saving 29 Twin Street (the 'Jade Monkey') as a venue for live music. It is about the possibility of creating an 'activated laneway' in Twin Street, a subject of some discussion at present. Your views could help that discussion.
Background: The SA Government and ACC have each put $100,000 on the table (via the Capital City Committee which has 4 govt members and 4 ACC members) for the purpose of investigating opportunities in the city for activated laneways.
At the southern end of Twin St will be a new 17 storey hotel and existing good access to the residential developments around Hindmarsh Square. At the northern end is Rundle Mall. Twin St is a no through road for vehicles from Grenfell St. That situation will ensure high pedestrian traffic flow through Twin St.
There are already about 9 small ground floor tenancies in Twin St with the possibility of more, as well as a lane to the east connecting Twin St to Hindmarsh Square. That laneway could be activated too and Hindmarsh Square itself is a pedestrian traffic generator
Ideal, you might think, for a Melbourne-style laneway activation featuring eateries, boutique businesses, coffee shops, tables in the street, first floor activation etc.
BUT, there is also considerable vehicular traffic through Twin St. This traffic is not conducive to laneway activatiuon unless it can be controlled (eg restricted in hours) or diverted.
The traffic comprises deliveries to Rundle Mall businesses especially on the west and east corners of Twin St/Rundle Mall, and to the government offices in the tower on the SW corner of Pulteney St and Rundle Mall.
Underground parking for personnel working in the govt tower is also accessed only from Twin Street.
So there is the problem. No doubt the concept of aqctivating Twin St has been discussed by ACC, but there has been nop discussion in the public domain. Twin St looks ideal for 'activation', and while the goods traffic could conceivably be managed, does the fact of private car access to the government tower on Pulteney/Rundle Mall kill the idea completely?
Any views on this, or knowledge to share?
Background: The SA Government and ACC have each put $100,000 on the table (via the Capital City Committee which has 4 govt members and 4 ACC members) for the purpose of investigating opportunities in the city for activated laneways.
At the southern end of Twin St will be a new 17 storey hotel and existing good access to the residential developments around Hindmarsh Square. At the northern end is Rundle Mall. Twin St is a no through road for vehicles from Grenfell St. That situation will ensure high pedestrian traffic flow through Twin St.
There are already about 9 small ground floor tenancies in Twin St with the possibility of more, as well as a lane to the east connecting Twin St to Hindmarsh Square. That laneway could be activated too and Hindmarsh Square itself is a pedestrian traffic generator
Ideal, you might think, for a Melbourne-style laneway activation featuring eateries, boutique businesses, coffee shops, tables in the street, first floor activation etc.
BUT, there is also considerable vehicular traffic through Twin St. This traffic is not conducive to laneway activatiuon unless it can be controlled (eg restricted in hours) or diverted.
The traffic comprises deliveries to Rundle Mall businesses especially on the west and east corners of Twin St/Rundle Mall, and to the government offices in the tower on the SW corner of Pulteney St and Rundle Mall.
Underground parking for personnel working in the govt tower is also accessed only from Twin Street.
So there is the problem. No doubt the concept of aqctivating Twin St has been discussed by ACC, but there has been nop discussion in the public domain. Twin St looks ideal for 'activation', and while the goods traffic could conceivably be managed, does the fact of private car access to the government tower on Pulteney/Rundle Mall kill the idea completely?
Any views on this, or knowledge to share?