The government of South Australia has revealed more details about its planned redevelopment of the Adelaide Festival Plaza into a major public leisure realm for the city.

The upgrade was first announced in 2013 as one element of the ongoing redevelopment of Adelaide’s Riverbank Precinct. Original concept plans for the project were revealed last year, and fully-realised visuals have now been released for public feedback before the project is submitted for planning approval.

The proposed new plaza – designed by ARM Architecture and Taylor Cullity Lethlean – will cover 26,000sq m (279,800sq ft) of public space and be focused around a new Art Space Plaza and central garden. A tree-lined avenue will link this space with the city and a new promenade featuring cafes, restaurants, performing arts space and a public square centred around a water feature.

The redevelopment also includes a AUS$90m (US$63.2m, €58m, £44.3m) renovation of Australia’s first performing arts venue, the Adelaide Festival Centre.

“The plaza will become a place in which people will want to stop and spend time,” said the government’s developer Renewal SA in a statement. “Visitors will be able to relax in a central garden as they wait for a performance to begin, enjoy a bite to eat from the adjacent café facilities, or experience activities in this space.

“The plaza will offer a different experience every time by celebrating the seasons and it will be brought to life by a balance of curated and spontaneous activities. It will be a memorable and distinctive place that embodies a unique account of the people, cultural life and character of Adelaide, combining relaxed sophistication with creative endeavour.”

Five public display pods have been set up to inform the public about the project and an open information day will be held on 24 January.

The state government has committed AUS$180m (US$126.4m, €116.6m, £88.6m) towards revitalising Adelaide Festival Plaza, supported by a AUS$430m (US$302m, €278.6m, £211,7m) contribution from property developer the Walker Corporation.