Glenelg’s brand-new precinct - Chapel Plaza - is open and has been returned to the community to enjoy.

The transformed space was once a roadway and is now a spacious pedestrian plaza with a new central arbour and landscaping, creative lighting and lots of seating.

City of Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson was thrilled to see the project – which is the first stage of the Jetty Road Masterplan - revealed after the six-month-long construction phase.

“The delivery of stage one of the Jetty Road Masterplan will showcase how community spaces can operate differently, prioritise pedestrian movements and encourage people to explore the precinct by foot,” Mayor Wilson said at the opening of Chapel Plaza on Friday, 29 October.

“But also, it shows how spaces can create a sense of connection and place that encourage people to stay longer and live more locally, which is a positive for businesses in the area”.

A stand-out feature of the new space is a 3-metre-tall sculpture that was created by South Australian artist Michael Kutschbach. Titled Sesquipedalian Sea Squirt, inspired by varying colours and shapes of local sea squirts found on Glenelg beach.

Across the road, Hindmarsh Lane has also been upgraded as part of the precinct’s $3.6 million transformation.

There are new toilet facilities that provide inclusive services for the community, including a parent room, accessible toilets and facilities for people with profound disabilities who require assistance from their carers.

Council is working towards achieving Changing Places status for one of the toilets which will see the facility placed on a national register to formally identify the facilities for people with profound disabilities

A new arbour sculpture, which reflects colour and light on to surfaces during the day and night, will be installed in the coming weeks.

The State Government part-funded the project with a $1.8 million grant through the Planning and Development Fund.

Minister for Planning and Local Government, Hon Vickie Chapman helped unveil Chapel Plaza along with Mayor Wilson and Member for Morphett Stephen Patterson.