Booney wrote:I think the last 2-3 years has seen the level of investment by traders really increase. Obviously the Admiral is the most notable, but the Lighthouse, the Commercial, Korked, Harts Mill, the British, they've all spent money increasing the appeal of their venues.
This investment is real investment, I mean people have poured some serious cash into some of the buildings and businesses in the area and they've done that with a long term view, unlike previous incarnations where painting over cracks was the go. This time around the investment is reflecting the level of confidence the investors have in the area and that in itself is breeding confidence within their peers.
With the wider Port Adelaide area going through a phase of rejuvenation through the property market growth ( people are wisely looking at Semaphore Park > North Haven for affordable "beach side" living ) I think there's a level of confidence in the traders that we haven't seen before.
And speaking from experience I think this confidence is reflected in people who are increasingly interested in checking out the Port.
As people who don't live in the Port nor have identified with it but live a quick car/taxi-ride away, my wife and I are increasingly finding excuses to head down and check out its wares. The increase in activity and interest is very noticeable. The key attraction for me is its history - you cannot separate the Port from its important role in the earlier days of the state as a key transportation hub, and a lot of that history still remains today. You can stick good pubs and restaurants anywhere, but the place has to have a hook to get you in, and for me its it living history that you can walk alongside and touch that makes it such an enjoyable and unique experience.
My wife's got a colleague who been living here for the past three years from the USA, and we've decided on day in the next few weeks to take him down to check out the Port. He's been to Semaphore, but his only experience was driving through the Port to get there. Another excuse to check out Korked, and perhaps the Admiral (if its quietened down since opening). And maybe the authentic Mexican place across the road.
