The birth of the modern day

Following years of planning and tendering, the State Government of South Australia ultimately selected Rundle East Company Pty Ltd (a MARAS GROUP company) and the Liberman Group as joint venture partners to redevelop the market site.  The primary objective was to develop a carefully planned and co-ordinated multi-function precinct that would comprise medium-to-high density prestige residential apartments and townhouses, together with an exciting mix of food, retail and commercial uses lining the main streets.  The project was to be known as “Garden East” and it commenced in 1993.

At the time, this was by far the most significant re-development in the City of Adelaide following the recession of the late 1980’s/early 1990’s, which had seen development come to a virtual stand still.  In addition, it was considered to be the most important inner-City regeneration project in decades.

The Liberman Group was responsible for developing multiple, award winning residential buildings (nine in total) where the old market sheds and warehouses once stood.  Today, these buildings house various apartments and townhouses, providing for permanent and short term accommodation.  ‘Garden East’ was consistent with the Adelaide City Council’s progressive residential development policies and the State Government’s emphasis on ‘urban regeneration’ in the City and other established parts of metropolitan Adelaide.

The historical and ornate facades of the Adelaide Fruit and Produce Exchange buildings were retained but the rest of the market buildings were demolished to make way for the apartment complexes.  These intricate archways and gabled facades of yesteryear today still carry the “Adelaide Fruit & Produce Exchange” name (along with other names like Vardon Avenue) and remain a clear reminder of what used to be.

Rundle East Company took control of the commercial buildings along Rundle Street, from East Terrace (on the east side) to Union Street (on the west side).  Since 1993, Rundle East Company has been responsible for transforming the commercial strip on the southern side of Rundle Street East into a bustling and thriving “Mecca”, the epicentre of the East End precinct.

Each building along the street has been either completely refurbished and upgraded, or built as new, collecting a number of restoration, architectural and design awards along the way.

Rundle East Company has also created a genuine vibrancy and sense of critical mass in the rear laneways of Vardon Avenue and Ebenezer Place, unlike anything else seen in Adelaide.

What you now find is an exceptional blend of cafes, restaurants, designer fashion stores, speciality retail, cinemas, pubs, wine bars, and a comprehensive mix of professional and creative services above ground level.

Rundle Street East is an excellent example of a fully operational, mixed-use business and lifestyle City precinct with both day and night time activation – a bona fide harmonious balance.

Many of the buildings along Rundle Street East are owned and controlled by Theo and Steve Maras, who have been largely responsible for the rejuvenation of the East End over the last two decades.  Both Theo and Steve are committed to constantly improving and enhancing Rundle Street East and the surrounding environs to ensure it remains the pace setter in Adelaide for future generations to enjoy.