Berri Riverfront Redevelopment Taking Shape

Berri Barmera Council’s major redevelopment of Riverview Drive from Vaughan Tce to the Berri Hotel entrance is progressing steadily towards the finish date of mid August

The narrowing of the road, laying of paving, expansion of the area around the Vietnam War Memorial and creation of a shared use precinct, is set to transform the locality and provide an exciting environment for locals and visitors this coming Spring and Summer. In addition the draft concept plans for Stage Two of the project taking the works through to adjacent the Berri Caravan Park in 2020 will be released for consultation in June.

The laying of pavers and new kerbing being installed in May adjacent Riverjacks Café and Visitor Information Centre

Council’s Manager Environmental Services and Major Project Myles Somers said, “there definitely is an air of excitement for everyone as we see the works slowly transforming the road. Our contractors Outside Ideas are well experienced in similar precinct projects in towns such as Victor Harbor and Murray Bridge and have taken great care with the site managing traffic movements and responding to the small number of requests and queries we have fielded since works began shortly after Easter.”

It is business as usual for Riverjack’s Café, Repco and the Visitor Information Centre despite the nearby construction activity. Mr. Somers said, “we have maintained regular contact with business owners to ensure we minimise any impacts during construction. In the main everyone seems to appreciate the value this transformation will have on the town and district and the benefits to their businesses.  In fact I see a stimulating impact already emerging with people talking about opportunities and how they might tap into higher visitor numbers in the precinct. Combined with the Berri Hotel’s planned development of the former Berri Bowling Club site with high quality family focussed accommodation and the new Wharf , the Riverfront precinct is soon to become the place to visit for food, relaxation, holiday accommodation and simply enjoying one of the most scenic views that can be had of River Murray.”

Mr Somers said that challenges during construction included traffic management, protecting trees during excavation and managing the many buried services in the road and footpaths. Moving into the next phase of the project, working on the northern side of the road, there will be traffic restriction in place for four weeks. Buses are using the Berri Hotel car park during the construction period to ensure safety for passengers and clear access for drivers to manoeuvre their vehicles safely.