Building a More Resilient Adelaide through Market Square

Adelaide’s Market Square redevelopment represents more than just a new precinct, it’s a transformational investment in the city’s social, economic, and environmental resilience. By blending modern design, sustainability, and community connection, it is setting a new benchmark for how cities can grow stronger and more adaptable.

Economic Resilience

Market Square strengthens the city’s economic foundations by:

Activating local enterprise: Creating opportunities for small businesses, local producers, and artisans to thrive in the heart of the city.
Creating jobs and investment confidence: Attracting new businesses, workers, and investors to the CBD through a diversified retail, hospitality, and residential mix.
Boosting tourism and visitation: Enhancing Adelaide Central Market’s global reputation and drawing both locals and visitors into a more dynamic urban experience.

Social & Community Resilience

At its core, Market Square promotes connection, inclusion, and wellbeing by:

Designing for people first: Pedestrian-friendly spaces, green courtyards, and shaded gathering areas encourage social interaction and everyday use.
Celebrating cultural identity: Building on the legacy of the Adelaide Central Market to preserve heritage while fostering multicultural vibrancy.
Creating safe, welcoming spaces: A mix of public amenities, residences, and retail ensures a lively precinct that feels active and secure at all times of day.

Environmental & Urban Resilience

Market Square integrates sustainability and adaptive design to future-proof the city against environmental pressures:

Green infrastructure: Incorporation of sustainable materials, water-sensitive design, and renewable energy systems.
Efficient land use: Densifying the CBD responsibly to limit sprawl and preserve Adelaide’s natural surrounds.
Transit-oriented design: Encouraging walking, cycling, and public transport over car dependency, reducing congestion and emissions.

Strategic Urban Legacy

Market Square will be a cornerstone of Adelaide’s long-term resilience and regeneration strategy:

Strengthening the city’s identity as a sustainable, liveable capital.
Demonstrating how mixed-use development can serve economic, social, and ecological goals simultaneously.
Inspiring future urban renewal projects to embed resilience thinking into every stage — from design to delivery.

Market Square is more than a redevelopment, it’s a symbol of Adelaide’s capacity to evolve, connect, and thrive.

About the Centre for Resilience (C4R):

The Centre for Resilience is an independent, SA-based initiative advancing economic, social, infrastructure and leadership resilience through research, measurement and practical programs with business, government and community partners. Learn more at https://www.c4resilience.com/.

Media enquiries: via the C4R Contact page.

Market Square makes Adelaide a more resilient and connected city