A 'pigeon overlord', celebrity visits and iconic spheres: Rundle Mall turns 50
It was the country's first major pedestrian-only shopping mall and labelled an "international leader" for its people-centric design. Now Adelaide's Rundle Mall is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
In 1976, then South Australian Premier Don Dunstan spearheaded the transformation of a stretch of Rundle Street into a pedestrian-only shopping mall, Rundle Mall. This decision, met with controversy, aimed to create a space for more than just commerce, allowing people to stroll, socialize, and shop all under one roof. The mall opened on September 1, 1976, to a gathering of around 10,000 people, featuring a champagne-filled fountain.
The mall's architect, local historian Keith Conlon, described it as a place where cars and pedestrians coexisted, with small and large traders vying for space. The opening was marked by a crowd of about 10,000 people, signaling the mall's potential as a hub for social and cultural activities.
Over the past five decades, Rundle Mall has evolved into a cultural and social hub, featuring iconic elements such as the Mall's Balls, the four pigs known as Horatio, Oliver, Truffles, and August, and more recently, a giant pigeon installed in tribute to the 'pigeon overlord'. These pieces, despite initial skepticism, have become integral to the mall's identity.
Rundle Mall has hosted numerous high-profile visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II and British pop sensation Boy George. The mall continues to be a dynamic space, hosting multicultural festivals, sporting events, and community celebrations. Despite changes over the years, Rundle Mall remains a testament to the original vision of creating a community center that transcends the boundaries of shopping.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
