Adelaide West End Association President’s Report 2024
In 2024, the Adelaide West End Association (AWEA) has taken transformative strides in advancing our precinct’s revitalisation and unique cultural spirit. This year, our advocacy has led to tangible progress on both Hindley Street and Light Square, cultivating a future for the West End as a dynamic, inclusive, and creative heart of the city.
Hindley Street Transformation
Hindley Street’s transformation remains a cornerstone project. Following successful advocacy in 2023, the Adelaide City Council’s 23/24 budget allocation has enabled detailed planning and brought us closer to realising our vision for this iconic area. Beyond the opportunities the Mainstreet upgrade provides, we are committed to addressing longstanding challenges such as vacant shopfronts and a limited tenancy mix. In 2024/25, we are collaborating with Renew Adelaide to attract new business and supportting the establishment of regular building owners’ forums to foster collaboration. This spirit of partnership is essential for sustained success, cultivating investment in diverse hospitality, retail, and arts offerings that invigorate both day and night-time activities.
A core priority remains enhancing safety and the visitor experience. We continue to work with the Hindley Street Round Table—including City of Adelaide, SAPOL, AHA, Encounter Youth, and Liquor Licensing—to improve street safety, with plans for enhanced lighting, security, and community-focused initiatives. This year’s efforts reflect a shared commitment to creating a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike.
With Hindley Street’s proximity to Adelaide’s international hotels and substantial State investments in major events, we see an opportunity to enhance Adelaide’s tourism appeal. Our vision is for Hindley Street to become a key artery within the West End’s nexus of cultural and artistic activity. We’re committed to seizing this opportunity, encouraging further investment and growth. AWEA is also advocating on critical issues, such as opposing Hindley Street being the only CBD area exempt from the proposed Adult Entertainment Premisis Code buffer zones. We support the proposed changes, provided they apply equally across the CBD and are pleased to be able to work constructively with Council towards this aim.
A Bold Vision for Light Square
The development of a Master Plan for Light Square is another major milestone. We’re proud to have championed this initiative and are thrilled to see a bold vision emerge that positions Light Square as a central space for community and cultural engagement. Our thanks go to the City of Adelaide for their excellent design and consultation process, and to councillors for embracing a new vision for the West End. AWEA is committed to supporting this project in the years ahead to ensure it remains a priority for Council and State Government and that each project phase is progressed as efficiently as possible.
The Creative Quarter
In 2024, we have further established the West End as Adelaide’s creative quarter. Collaborations with Fringe continue to see the precinct thrive as a gathering space for artists, while partnerships with Music SA have amplified the area’s live music scene, showcasing the West End as a vibrant cultural hub fostering artistic expression and community connection. We look forward to expanding these initiatives and supporting our creative industry in the year ahead.
A Place Identity
Our strategic brand engagement with West End creative agency Nation is about to take shape. With input from key industry partners, this project aims to bring a shared vision and refreshed identity to the West End, mirroring the precinct’s energy, diversity, and creativity. A Place Identity is more than a logo; it’s the story of the West End—one that reflects the richness of its community, helping locals and visitors alike to recognise, understand, and connect with the area.
For too long, the West End has been defined by outdated perceptions. It’s time for Adelaide to unite in shaping a vision that embodies the full vibrancy of this precinct. AWEA is excited to spearhead this project and help co-create a dynamic future for the creative quarter that is the West End.
Acknowledgments
None of this year’s progress would be possible without the support of our members, precinct funding from the Adelaide Economic Development Agency and the continued support of the City of Adelaide. I’d like to especially acknowledge our 2024 executive team for their dedication:
- Nikki Hamdorf (JamFactory)
- Nic Mercer (Light Adelaide)
- James Economos (Econ Group)
- Philip Johnson (UniSA)
- Paola Coro (Apoteca)
- Tony Scrivener (Grand Chancellor Hotels)
- Andrew Wallace (UniSA)
- Christine Ormsby (Visualcom)
We’re also thrilled to welcome new members in 2024/25, including Gianna Murphy (Renew Adelaide) and Simmone Gibbs (TAFE SA). Special thanks to Terri Dichiera (City of Adelaide), our Place Coordinator, for her continued collaboration and hands-on support to local West End Traders and to Karen Devenport, our AWEA Coordinator, for her invaluable assistance to members and stakeholders. Please reach out to Karen for membership or inquiries at coordinator@adelaidewestend.com.au.
Looking Ahead
When you love your city, I’ve learned that you can make a difference. It’s brought me immense joy, meaningful connections, and a deep sense of purpose to be part of this journey with the AWEA. But the journey is far from over—there’s still so much to do and so much at stake. If you care about the future of the West End, we invite you to join us in shaping a vibrant and sustainable West End and be part of this exciting next exciting chapter in Adelaides story.
Taren Hocking
President
@adelaidewestend #adelaidewestend