Henley Beach Road Visioning Project
In February 2024, council launched a visioning project for the future of Henley Beach Road, focusing on strengthening its role as a major main street destination in West Torrens.
More than 400 people shared their views, showing strong support for revitalising the area. Council officers also met with business and property owners along Henley Beach Road to gauge a better understanding of current challenges and future needs. This research led to a set of draft visions and concept drawings being created, which the wider community then helped refine. From this engagement, 5 guiding principles for the future of Henley Beach Road were agreed.
Since then, council has been taking a phased approach to delivery of the project and continues to work towards the shared vision for Henley Beach Road as a cosmopolitan boulevard that celebrates a unique blend of cultures, identity and stories.
Progress update
Recent and current projects include:
Thebarton Theatre upgrade: Stage one is complete, delivering improved functionality and amenities, better pedestrian and vehicle access, a new arrival lobby and bar and lounge areas, and an upgraded external presentation that respects the theatre’s state heritage significance.
Jervois Street: The street has been upgraded, including wider footpaths, to make access to Henley Beach Road easier and strengthen local community connections.
Traffic and parking study: A detailed investigation is underway to better understand traffic, parking, access, public transport and movement along Henley Beach Road and determine the road's suitability for main road status. The investigation will include parking surveys, analysis and strategies for each of the precincts identified in our 'Henley Beach Road Vision' report, a traffic study, consideration of public transport, and assessment of future development.
Next steps
Council is progressing several medium-term projects that build on the work already underway and support the longer-term vision for Henley Beach Road. These projects focus on practical, lower-disruption improvements that can be tested, evaluated and used to guide future investment.
Danby Street public realm pilot: Concept planning for upgrades that may include improved pedestrian areas, parking arrangements, public art, landscaping, seating and opportunities for electric vehicle charging.
Gateway statement at Thebarton Theatre: Planning for a gateway treatment that strengthens the arrival experience and supports the identity of Henley Beach Road.
Greening opportunities: Identifying practical opportunities to increase planting and improve comfort within the existing streetscape.
Background and preparatory work will continue for other longer-term ideas identified through the visioning process. Timing for these projects will be considered alongside current road works and the outcomes of the traffic and parking study.
Our vision and guiding principles(PDF, 443KB)
Henley Beach Road Visioning Report(PDF, 6MB)
Full community engagement report, November 2024(PDF, 3MB)