The estimated $8.88 million revitalisation of Virginia Main Street will start this month, creating a regional drawcard for locals and visitors to walk, play and shop.

The much-welcomed upgrade will transform the heart of South Australia’s food bowl – the multi-million-dollar Northern Adelaide Plains growing region.

It will deliver a tree-lined street with wider paths for pedestrians and cyclists, while a new playground will be built in Virginia Institute Park.

The design includes provision for on-street, disability and long vehicle parking, while stormwater will be managed through the installation of improved infrastructure.

City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said Virginia is one of the north’s fastest growing towns with a population that is expected to triple to about 6,000 people over the next 20 years.

“Revitalising Virginia Main Street is an exciting and important project for local residents and businesses,” Mayor Docherty said.

“Virginia is the heart of South Australia’s multi-million-dollar market garden industry and rightly deserves a main street to match.

“We are building a street that people will want to visit and which the local community can be proud of. A new playground at the Virginia Institute Park will be a destination for families.

“The project will lift the appearance of the area, support business and bring people together.”

The project work also includes planting more than 70 trees.

Approximately 500 metres of the main street will be upgraded between the Virginia Sports Oval and just south of the intersection with Penfield and Sheedy roads. Included will be a Gawler Road entry statement to create a sense of arrival to the main street.

Work will start adjacent to the Virginia Sports Oval and progress in phases to the south.

Temporary changes to traffic conditions will be introduced in consultation with local businesses.

Construction is expected to be completed by mid next year. Work will be undertaken by Axiom Projects SA and involve up to 20 staff on site.

Mayor Docherty said the final design is a result of extensive community consultation involving more than 460 residents.

“I would like to thank everyone who provided input to this important project,” Mayor Docherty said.

“I also thank our funding partners for their contributions.”

Mayor Docherty said the contractor would work with local businesses to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

The project is funded by the City of Playford, a Federal Government Roads to Recovery grant, a State Government Places for People grant and SA Power Networks.

Regular project updates will be available at playford.sa.gov.au/development/virginia