From Greek hub to multicultural centre: The changing face of Adelaide’s Henley Beach Road

·

Established in the late 1800s as the main thoroughfare from the Adelaide CBD to the seaside, Henley Beach Road has undergone significant change recently as a wave of gentrification continues to transform it.

Henley Beach Road was once a small strip of Anglo-owned grocers, butchers, and drapery shops in the 1800s.

During the waves of migration in the 1950s, the road’s surrounding suburbs, particularly Torrensville, became home to Greek and Italian immigrants. They introduced continental café culture and Mediterranean influences to the area.

From the 1970s, Asian migrants brought another burst of cultural change to Henley Beach Road, opening many speciality food stores and restaurants. More recently, the road has seen an influx of Middle Eastern, Indian and African food culture.

Peter Koulizos believes Henley Beach Road is at the halfway point of its gentrification journey. Picture: Mark Brake
Peter Koulizos believes Henley Beach Road is at the halfway point of its gentrification journey. Photo: Mark Brake

Today, some of the most popular businesses along the Mile End and Torrensville stretch includes Little Canton Chinese, Singh Sweets & Punjabi Restaurant and Parwana Afghan Kitchen – arguably one of Adelaide’s most popular restaurants.

Master of Property at the University of Adelaide, Peter Koulizos told Real Commercial the 2km stretch of Henley Beach Road that runs through the suburbs of Mile End and Torrensville has experienced the most significant change in recent years.

“Once upon a time you knew a place was gentrifying if there were Greek and Italian restaurants popping up. Nowadays it’s Afghan and Japanese restaurants, hot yoga studios and tattoo parlours,” Mr Koulizos explained.

This change won’t stop any time soon with the City of West Torrens council announcing plans to once again reinvigorate Henley Beach Road, with Adelaide Mayor Michael Coxon citing its “huge potential for growth.”

Source: Real Commercial

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Zoe Samios named as finalist in the NRMA Kennedy Awards 2020

The SMH's reporter, Zoe Samios, has been nominated for Young Journalist of the Year in this year's NRMA Kennedy Awards for Excellence in Journalism.

High Commissioner of Cyprus in Australia issues message for OXI Day

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis has issued a message to the Greek and Cypriot diaspora ahead of OXI Day

Marie Karekla named among Australia’s top women in HVAC&R

AIRAH’s Head of Conferences, Events and Business Development Marie Karekla has been recognised among the Top 20 Women in HVAC&R.