The Victor Harbor Mainstreet Precinct Upgrade is being rolled out in a number of stages based on the framework outlined in the City of Victor Harbor's Mainstreet Precinct Master Plan.

Stage One - Intersection of Ocean and Coral streets

Stage One of the Victor Harbor Mainstreet Precinct Upgrade was completed in 2016. It involved the transformation of the intersection of Ocean Street and Coral Street over a three month period. As well as significant streetscape improvements this stage also incorporated public art. There is a wayfinding sign created by local artist, Hamish Macmillian, which stands proudly on the corner of Ocean Street and Coral Street, as well as a digital projection on to the facade of the Victa Cinema which brings life to the street at night. The projector was the first of its kind to be permanently installed in regional South Australia - with Victor Harbor leading the way in this space.

The detailed design was created by WAX Design, urban design and landscape architecture firm. The design draws upon Victor Harbor’s local marine environment and maritime history. Central to the design, particularly Stage One, has been the analogy of the whale. Southern Right Whales are iconic to Victor Harbor, migrating to the area each year. This event has been a continuous part of Victor Harbor’s history and culture for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

The design of the Mainstreet Precinct celebrates the Southern Right Whale. The dimensions of the intersection (Stage One) and landscaped nodes reflect the size of a mature Southern Right Whale, providing an understanding of the extreme size of the animal as a part of the design. The landscape and drainage system reflects the baleen plates of the whales that are used for filtering food. In addition the various planting beds form a distinctive organic pattern along the street, emulating barnacle clusters that form across the head of the whale. The unique street lights represent the whale’s ribs, while some of the seating reflects the idea of whale bones.

South Australian firm, Outside Ideas delivered the construction works for Stage One. This project was part funding by the SA Government's Places for People Grant Program.

Stage Two - Ocean Street North

Stage Two of the Victor Harbor Mainstreet Precinct Upgrade saw the transformation of the entrance to Ocean Street (from Torrens Street to just before the Coral Street intersection). The works built on Stage One, carrying through the link to whales, with new paving, feature lighting, landscaping, street furniture and drainage.

Stage Two also saw the inclusion of a cutting edge, innovative sculpture installed as an entry statement to Ocean Street. The Council commissioned Fleurieu resident Karl Meyer, with the support of Exhibition Studios, to create his piece  'Elemental'.

The commissioned work ‘Elemental’ provides an iconic, thought-provoking work of art for Victor Harbor. The piece creates debate and ultimately grows critical understanding and prepares the community for future public art projects. Importantly, tourists are exposed to the unique art work of a highly regarded South Australian artist, building the State’s reputation as a centre of cultural leadership.

The detailed design for Stage Two was undertaken by WAX Design and construction works delivered by Outside Ideas.

The Council was fortunate to secure funding through the SA Government's Places for People Grant Program to deliver this stage.

Stage Three - Coral Street (from Ocean Street to the foreshore)

Following the successful completion of Stage One in 2016 and Stage Two in 2019, the Council delivered Stage Three of the Victor Harbor Mainstreet Precinct Upgrade in 2020.

The works were delivered by South Australian company Axiom Projects over a five month period. Stage Three has seen the eastern side of Coral Street from the Ocean Street intersection to the foreshore reinvigorated to create a fresh new promenade to the foreshore. The inclusion of an amphitheatre overlooking the ocean to Granite Island is a key feature of the upgrade.

The upgrade has aimed to improve pedestrian access within the town centre, increase the visual appeal, highlight the heritage buildings within the Precinct and show links to the rail corridor via interpretive art within the footpaths.

Council's work to transform Victor Harbor’s Mainstreet Precinct has been about creating a welcoming, accessible and vibrant public space, where people want to spend time, businesses want to invest and most importantly a space that our community can be proud of. The Council’s continued delivery of major streetscape projects like this one will be an important component of our COVID recovery. Our new and improved public spaces will provide a contemporary and authentic Victor Harbor experience, drawing people into our Town Centre.

As well as highlighting the heritage buildings in the Eastern end of Coral Street, Stage Three enhances the previously under-utilised space on the foreshore. The addition of the amphitheatre offers a space for small activation events.

The City of Victor Harbor received funding through the SA Government's Places for People Grant Program to deliver construction works for this stage.

Stage Four - Ocean Street (south) and Albert Place

Stage Four includes the southern end of Ocean Street including the intersection with Albert Place.

The project will continue similar streetscape improvements as per previous stages and will focus on improved pedestrian usability, street greening, inclusion of public art, and enhancing the overall appearance of the area to show the Mainstreet Precinct’s importance to locals and visitors. The design will see the widening of footpaths, increased alfresco dining opportunities, public seating and more street trees and garden beds.

This project will deliver a memorable destination that will stimulate business growth and boost the visitor economy within Victor Harbor and the Southern Fleurieu region. Importantly, this project will connect the town centre’s southern gateway and tourism hub to significant state renowned and iconic tourist attractions – Granite Island, the Horse Drawn Tram and regional festivals/events space, Warland Reserve.

This project will have a positive and direct impact on the long-term sustainability of 50-60 retail and tourism businesses, delivering space for the biggest congregation of outdoor dining in the Southern Fleurieu Region.  It will generate vibrancy in the main street, attracting social and cultural opportunities to entertain crowds of diners, creating a festive atmosphere and will fast track new investment opportunities in the town.

Outside Ideas will be undertaking construction works which are set to commence at the end of May 2022. The design for Stage Four was delivered by Oxigen.

Stage Five - Coral Street, Stuart Street and Grosvenor Gardens

Stage Five of the Victor Harbor Mainstreet Upgrade includes the western side of Coral Street (from Ocean Street to Torrens Street), Stuart Street (from Coral Street to Torrens Street) and Grosvenor Gardens. The project currently remains at an early concept phase with numerous challenging design and feasibility issues still to be resolved.

Stage Six - McKinlay Street

Stage Six will see the transformation of McKinlay Street within the Mainstreet Precinct . Work has yet to commence on the design for this stage with construction works for Stage 4 a priority, and significant work to be undertaken on Stage Five.