The response to the decline of automotive and manufacturing activity and employment in Adelaide has been redevelopment to ensure a transition to an information and knowledge based economy. Adelaide, as a middle ranking city in Australia, is lagging behind Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth in becoming a knowledge city. Adelaide struggles to develop the human capital (knowledge workers) to underpin the knowledge economy and the infrastructure to utilise that human capital to create economic value. Melbourne is probably the key city here.
One sign of the process of change in Adelaide to becoming a post-industrial city can be seen in the number of boutique hotels being built in the city.This is considered to be part of the 'revitalisation' index.
The large background building under construction is the Indigo Hotel in Market Street looking across Gouger St. The Indigo brand is owned by IHG hotelier, which is set to open in 2020. It is marketed as adding to, and participating in the vibrant atmosphere of the Central Market precinct.
The Adelaide Central Market arcade--not the Adelaide Central Market--- is going to be re-developed in 2021. It includes a hotel and a residential tower and it has been designed to make the market precinct a major retail and shopping destination. The arcade is a functional 1960's shopping complex that is looking outdated and tired. Gouger St itself is looking tacky.