A collaboration by global architecture practice Woods Bagot, multidisciplinary consultancy Mott MacDonald, and the City of Holdfast Bay has resulted in a design proposal to transform the Glenelg jetty into an iconic tourist destination and a revitalised gateway for South Australia.

The design concept proposes a 15m wide by 400m long jetty, which is expected to attract new visitors, including visiting cruise ship passengers and provide an excellent opportunity to connect directly to Glenelg and surrounding South Australia.

A video was also created by the project team working collaboratively with Closer Productions to craft a visual story of the Glenelg Jetty Rejuvenation to engage and inform the public by using nostalgic footage of historic Glenelg and animated imagery of the proposed redevelopment.

Key design highlights of the jetty revitalisation proposal include a large public event space at the entry of the jetty and an enclosed pavilion space at the end; a 50-room boutique hotel; a marine research facility; and terminals for catamaran ferries, with private luxury yachts and sea planes expected to become further draw cards for attracting tourists and visitors to Glenelg.

Woods Bagot Director Thomas Masullo explains that Glenelg has always been an important place in the lives of South Australians and the design celebrates the jetty in its heyday. Woods Bagot’s bold new vision for Glenelg builds on the ideas of the past, as well as creating a new future.

Woods Bagot Design Leader Alex Hall said the proposal represents a catalyst for the revitalisation of Glenelg and confirmation of Glenelg’s place as a regional destination. He adds that the full length of the jetty will remain open to the public, despite the inclusion of elements such as the hotel.

Valued at AUD 250 million, the project awaits funding from both state and federal levels and the private sector, with the City of Holdfast Bay working with key stakeholders to explore how to drive the project forward to benefit all South Australians.

Image: The Glenelg jetty revitalisation concept