by Carla Caruso

A ‘greening’ project at Whitmore Square / Iparrityi  has just been completed, although not all are happy with how green it has become.

Improvements include a new footpath around much of the square’s perimeter, the planting of deciduous trees, and garden beds around the edge.

According to the Adelaide City Council, the aim was “to create an attractive, welcoming environment, with improved safety, increased accessibility, and urban greening”. 

The project is the second – and final – stage of a $2.3 million upgrade of the square.

The first stage, beginning last May, involved reshaping the roads around it, including installing new traffic controls.

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the project contributed towards the council’s strategic plan to make Adelaide “the most liveable city in the world”. (Currently, Adelaide’s third on the list.)

“We were thrilled to deliver the second stage of the master plan, and having visited Whitmore Square / Iparrityi, the new upgrade looks fantastic,” Lord Mayor Verschoor said.

“It is already proving a great addition for the local community in that area.

“This considerable greening project, which saw a number of trees and vegetation planted, was delivered in partnership with the State Government, utilising funding from the Open Spaces and Places grant.”

Less enamoured with the design is Marjon Martin, who is APA’s Park Ambassador for Whitmore Square. Marjon is also the secretary of the South West City Community Association.

Ms Martin told us: “I was surprised to see wide concrete paths being laid as part of the council’s ‘greening of Whitmore Square’.

“The City of Adelaide, since 2017, has been part of Resilient East – a partnership between the eight eastern metropolitan councils, which aims to improve the resilience of their communities, assets and infrastructure, local economies and natural environment, so they can cope with the inevitable impacts and challenges of climate change,” Ms Martin said. 

“An aim is to improve water use. They [Resilient East councils] have agreed to install permeable pavers, where they can, in place of traditional paving, asphalt, or concrete.

“Permeable pavers allow rainwater to soak into soils, which helps keep nearby trees and gardens alive, vibrant, and healthy. 

“The pavers also help to reduce the risk of local flooding after storm events, and prevent urban pollutants from being washed into drains, local creeks, and into the ocean. 

“The use of permeable pavers in Whitmore Square would certainly have helped the newly planted trees and garden beds.”

The Whitmore Square master plan was developed through community consultation. 

The Square has been known for its safety issues, with it being a haunt for those sleeping rough and needing regular attendance by police patrols.

However, in recent times, the city’s southwestern corner has had broadened appeal with apartments and cafes popping up.

The refurbished Whitmore Hotel, now known as Sparkke at the Whitmore, also faces the Square.