Rundle Mall: Keith strolls the mall in the Adelaide City region of South Australia
Rundle Mall is Adelaide's central shopping precinct that hustles and bustles with shoppers and city workers alike. Now, there's a new brochure to guide you around. We caught up with Rundle Mall Manager, David West who told us that this modern shopping strip had its beginnings way back in a very different era.
David West, Rundle Mall Manager: "Rundle Mall used to be part of Rundle Street and is named after property owner, John Rundle. The building known as the Beehive Corner goes back to the very beginning - 1896 and it now houses the very famous Haigh's Chocolates. They say it is one of the most fancy Gothic buildings that isn't a church."
That's number one on the guide map ticked off - just another 22 fascinating stops to go. Of course lots of them hark back to before this was a pedestrian mall. In the days of horse and jinker and push bikes Rundle Street ran the length of the city. Later it saw horse drawn trams and later still, plenty of cars. But come the early 1970s Premier Don Dunstan put a stop to that. Rundle Street was closed between King William and Pulteney Streets, the road ripped up, paving went down and Rundle Mall was born. At the official opening in 1976 champagne ran through the fountain and ten thousand people came to celebrate what was touted as a new era in city retail.
The Silver Balls are the centrepiece of the Mall's attractions. David West, Rundle Mall Manager: "This is certainly what people talk about. This is where people meet. It's a great artwork. The reflections are a really important part of it. Bert Flugelman, the artist wanted to get the reflection of the facades down the mall."
There have been lots of changes to the mall over the years - lots little public artwork gems too. Like the 'Girl on a Slide' by John Dowie - small enough to miss if you're not looking for it. But you can't miss the perennial favourites - the pigs. Augusta loves a trot, Oliver's always on the lookout for a bargain in the bin and Truffles - well, he's a lovely height for a three year.
David West, Rundle Mall Manager: "The pigs have been in the Mall for ten years and I think Horatio is the most photographed pig. There was some controversy when they were installed. I think like most art works most people love tem or hate them - now you couldn't do anything with them - there's so many people here, kids having their photos taken - they're compelling."
The Mall consists of 700 shops, 300 offices and businesses, not to mention 15 arcades and shopping centres. That includes the beautifully ornate Adelaide Arcade. Built in 1885 it was the first retail establishment in Australia to have electric lights. The Regent Arcade came later - with the magnificent Regent Theatre as its heart. It captured the glamour of Hollywood and reflected the optimism of the era.
When the Hoyts Regent Theatre opened in 1928 it was billed as the most luxurious in Australia which 'set a standard for all time'. You could still see a movie under the ornate ceiling right up until 2006. Love it or loath it, the Rundle Mall is the heart of the city. They reckon there's nothing you can't buy - if you look hard enough.
The new Rundle Mall Trail brochure also takes you along our cultural boulevard, North Terrace. Do the whole trail and you'll finish back in the mall for a cuppa. Pick up a copy of the Rundle mall trail guide at the Visitor Information Centre at the King William Street end or contact the Mall Management and they'll send one out. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
Rundle Mall Visitor Information Centre
Ph 8203 7611
Rundle Mall Management
Ph 8203 7200Published 4th October 2009
