Once-in-a-generation transformation of Glenelg’s iconic Jetty Road
A significant milestone will be reached this week in the once-in-a-generation transformation of Glenelg’s Jetty Road, marking a major step toward elevating Glenelg as Adelaide’s premier coastal shopping, dining and entertainment destination.
From this week, a large section of Jetty Road east of Moseley Street will reopen to vehicles, on-street parking will return and traders will enjoy expanded outdoor dining spaces, all bringing a renewed vibrancy to the heart of Glenelg.
The Transforming Jetty Road Glenelg project will preserve the street’s unique culture and heritage while future-proofing it for generations to come. It supports more than 330 local businesses that contribute $366 million annually to South Australia’s economy and welcomes up to one million visitors each year.
Improved pedestrian safety and accessibility is one of the key features of the Transforming Jetty Road Glenelg project, which has been delivered with significantly wider footpaths, particularly in the western end of Jetty Road which is traditionally the entertainment and dining precinct.
An important improvement is the introduction of continuous footpaths across many side streets. These seamless pathways eliminate the need for pedestrians to step down at intersections, giving them priority over vehicles and making the street safer and easier to navigate for people of all ages and abilities.
The installation of traffic lights with pedestrian crossing at the Jetty Road/Moseley Street intersection, which is one of the busiest intersections in Glenelg, will significantly improve pedestrian safety.
While the Jetty Road/Colley Terrace corner remains under construction until March 2026, the Transforming Jetty Road Glenelg project team is finalising plans to activate the space over the Christmas and New Year period, with additional outdoor dining and public space.
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The City of Holdfast Bay accelerated the construction schedule in the western end of Jetty Road to align with the State Government’s tram closure for the Grade Separation Project. Since the start of August 2025, Council has been undertaking all the work required in the roadway and tram corridor during the temporary suspension of tram services.
This has included a significant investment in stormwater upgrades and additions to existing stormwater infrastructure as well as common service trenches, all critical infrastructure upgrades that will serve the precinct for decades to come.
Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson is already looking ahead to the second half of 2026, when the Transforming Jetty Road project will be completed in its entirety – almost 18 months earlier than first planned.
“As residents of Holdfast Bay, we already have a lot to be proud of in our part of the world – our community-minded residents, our focus on sustainability, protecting our environment for future generations and our capacity to host some of the state’s best events,” she said.
“When the transformation of Jetty Road, Glenelg is complete, we’ll have even more to be proud of. We will have the very best modern, safe and vibrant seaside shopping, dining and entertainment village that caters to and services the needs of our residents while offering visitors to the Bay an experience they’ll never forget.”
Earlier this year, renewal works in the eastern end of Jetty Road were completed after a significant investment into upgrading the stormwater system, which extended the stormwater network’s lifespan by another 100 years.
This stage also introduced Jetty Road’s new striking entry statement, Elysian Fields, a 21m-long avenue of 18 colourful flowers, some perched on stems up to 5m high. The entry statement is located at the very top of Jetty Road, in a bid to attract attention from people heading to the Bay, especially on the tram.
“We know that a lot of visitors to Glenelg hop off the tram at Moseley Square and head straight to the beach, but we want them to experience what the whole street has to offer – starting with an immersive experience under Elysian Fields before walking the length of the street and enjoying what our 300-plus local traders have to offer,” Mayor Wilson said.
“Because of its proximity to the beach, Glenelg is truly a unique shopping, dining and entertainment destination which has been made even more attractive with this show-stopping installation.”
Nick Athanasiou, of contemporary art company Skunk Control, is the visionary artist behind the installation, which is a blend of nature, science and technology. Each petal contains layers of stainless steel, inlaid with optical filters – some of which display different colours when viewed from different angles.
The beauty of Elysian Fields is that people’s experience of it will change, depending on the time of day. It also lights up at night, providing a different experience altogether.
Elysian Fields is not Skunk Control’s first foray in Glenelg. In 2022, an arbour sculpture titled Light Tapestry was installed in Bouchee Walk, completing its transformation from Hindmarsh Lane, as part of stage one of Jetty Road upgrade works.
It was also in 2022 that the plan to transform Jetty Road was reignited with a Federal Government promise of $10 million.
“This once-in-a generation project has been a long-time coming and we thank the Australian Government for investing into our iconic destination that is loved by all South Australians,” Mayor Wilson said.
The Transforming Jetty Road Glenelg project will be completed in the second half of 2026.
