Tramline Extension Takes out Adelaide Prize

The Glenelg Tramline Extension has been awarded this year’s prestigious Adelaide Prize for the achievement of excellence and innovation in the city’s public realm.

An extension of the existing tramline service from Victoria Square to the City West Campus of the University of South Australia on North Terrace, the project provides a free and convenient public transport service through the major north-south axis of the city center.

On presenting the prize to the Department for Transport Energy and Infrastructure, Lord Mayor Michael Harbison applauded the tramline extension for revitalizing the CBD and bringing people back to the city, pronouncing it a project of enormous public significance for Adelaide.

“The tramline extension has successfully provided an environmentally sustainable transport option for commuters and has also sparked major development interest, especially in the southern end of King William Street,” said the Lord Mayor.

RAIA SA president, Andrew Vorrasi, similarly praised the project as a tremendous positive addition to the city.

“The stations are architecturally elegant and the excellent use of ‘scramble crossings’ enhances the public experience. Residents and visitors alike are reminded that Adelaide’s CBD is a civic, cultural, government, business, retail, entertainment and tourist center,” Mr Vorrasi said.

The jury was moved to make a special citation this year, honoring the Northern Lights of this year’s Adelaide Festival of Arts.

“Though not technically a built form, the Northern Lights developed a renewed appreciation of North Terrace and gave its buildings a new life,” noted the jury.

Announced at the 2008 Royal Australian Institute of Architects’ (RAIA) South Australian awards, the Adelaide Prize is an initiative of the City of Adelaide in association with the RAIA.

The prize has a history of outstanding entries and award recipients since its inception in 1997. Recent recipients include the North Terrace Redevelopment Stage 1 (2006), and City Central Tower 1 (2007).