The ambitious Stage 3 redevelopment of Breakout Creek, nestled in the heart of Adelaide, has concluded with resounding success. This urban waterway, which serves as a vital drainage channel for much of the city, has been dramatically transformed through a series of environmental enhancements and infrastructure upgrades, making it a shining example of sustainable urban redevelopment.

The project, which began in 2022, focused on revitalising the western end of the River Torrens/Karrawirra Pari, stretching from Tapleys Hill Road to the sea. Over the course of the redevelopment, 15 hectares of previously fenced-off land were opened up for the community to enjoy, significantly enhancing public access while improving the environmental health of the area.

Led by Bardavcol, the redevelopment involved extensive collaboration with multiple partners, including Green Adelaide, the City of Charles Sturt, the City of West Torrens, SA Water, and the South Australian Department for Trade and Investment. The project’s impressive scope included:

• Planting 245,000 native plants, with many supplied by the ecoDynamics nursery.
• Constructing 6.2km of footpaths and a 100m ramped boardwalk.
• Creating two new stormwater wetlands and improving river crossings.
• Installing 11 sets of stairs, 5 picnic shelters, and 9 Kaurna sculptures that celebrate the cultural heritage of the Kaurna people, the traditional owners of the Adelaide plains.

The primary goal of the redevelopment was to create a more natural and resilient waterway that would provide new habitats for endangered and rare species, improve river water quality, and enhance the area’s accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and the local horse-riding community. The project also focused on educating visitors about the rich cultural history of the Kaurna people, fostering greater connection between the land, the community, and its Indigenous heritage.

Despite challenges – including navigating tight site access and dealing with flooding during the 9th wettest year since 1900 – the project was delivered on time and to an exceptional standard, earning Bardavcol an Excellence in Civil Construction Award at the Civil Contractors Federation SA (CCF SA) Earth Awards in 2024. This recognition, in the category for projects valued between $10 million and $30 million, highlights the extraordinary effort and collaboration involved in bringing Breakout Creek Stage 3 to life.

Nick Somes, ecoDynamics CEO says, “the ambitious Stage 3 redevelopment of Breakout Creek stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and sustainable design. We’ve transformed this vital urban waterway into a vibrant, accessible space for the community, while improving its environmental health and resilience. By planting native plants and enhancing public access to 15 hectares of land, this project not only benefits local ecosystems but also deepens our connection to the cultural heritage of the Kaurna people. It’s a proud moment for ecoDynamics to have been part of such a visionary initiative.” 

The project’s completion has brought widespread excitement, with the local community and environmental groups celebrating the revitalised space. Green Adelaide shared their pride in Bardavcol’s achievement, highlighting the transformation of Breakout Creek into a more natural-looking waterway that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The enhanced area not only boosts ecological diversity but also provides locals with beautiful new spaces to explore and enjoy.

As Breakout Creek enters its next phase, ecoDynamics remains committed to maintaining this urban waterway for the next three years, ensuring it continues to thrive before being handed over to the community.

For more information about Breakout Creek Stage 3, visit Breakout Creek Project Case Study.