A pedestrian airbridge, introduced across the lofty heights of the Adelaide Railway Station concourse in the 1980s, is being removed as part of the latest efforts to restore the city landmark back to its former glory.
The structure’s removal will allow for the reinstatement of the historic central concourse balcony and restore unobstructed views along the grand concourse for the first time in almost 30 years.
The airbridge was originally built to provide a valet service between Adelaide Casino and the adjacent InterContinental Hotel porte-cochere. The location of the airbridge substantially diminishes the volume and scale of the concourse space and blocks key sightlines.
It had sat obsolete since the opening of six-star hotel, Eos by SkyCity, and the relocation of SkyCity’s valet service to the new Festival Car Park in 2021.
Built Pty Ltd was appointed to complete the demolition and restoration project. The majority of works were undertaken at night, allowing the station, and the retail outlets including The Guardsman bar and restaurant within, to remain fully operational for the duration of the project.
Approximately 230,000 rail commuters access the station weekly, together with a high flow of visitor and pedestrian foot traffic that passes through it between North Terrace and the Adelaide Riverbank (Karrawirra Pari).
Renewal SA executive director for property and major projects, Todd Perry, said since 2020, the agency had been diligently progressing a program of works to uplift and revitalise the station and its surrounding public areas.
“The ultimate goal of this revitalisation project is to honour the station’s unique 1920s character and create a destination that beckons people to spend time at the station, rather than merely pass through it; a place where people can truly immerse themselves in its unique charm,” he said.
“The rejuvenation of the broader Adelaide Riverbank precinct has seen unprecedented levels of investment in new, expanded and revitalised cultural, tourism, sporting and public facilities and institutions that flank the River Torrens. The Adelaide Railway Station is a vital component of this entertainment precinct – a historic centrepiece – which should be celebrated.”
Perry said Built had the proven experience in heritage building restoration at the Station having recently undertaken the western and eastern façade restoration project.
“The project requires in-depth knowledge of the historical significance and cultural value of the building to ensure the preservation of the historical building fabric and Built has extensive experience in neoclassical buildings,” he said.
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