A major $200 million redevelopment of Salisbury City Centre has officially begun, with demolition of the old Len Beadell Library marking the first visible step in one of northern Adelaide’s biggest urban renewal projects.
The well-known local landmark, located on the corner of John Street and Church Street, is being removed to make way for a new mixed-use development that will bring housing, retail, hospitality and commercial spaces into the heart of Salisbury.
More than 50 residential apartments are set to be built by mid-2028, featuring one and two-bedroom options with car parking. The ground floor will include retail, food and beverage tenancies, alongside office or commercial spaces, helping create a more active city centre for residents, workers and visitors.
Stage 1 of the redevelopment also includes a multi-deck car park with 535 spaces, a supermarket, and the $40 million Junction Housing Thrive Salisbury project, which was announced in November. That project will deliver 37 one-bedroom and 32 two-bedroom apartments, as well as a new community hub for residents and locals.
Stage 2 is expected to expand the precinct further, with plans for build-to-rent accommodation, short-term hotel accommodation, retirement living, retail and office or commercial spaces.
City of Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM said the demolition marked a major milestone for the area. “The demolition of the old Len Beadell library is a big step towards realising our vision for a vibrant and thriving City Centre that meets the needs of our growing community,” she said.
“The redevelopment will completely reshape our city and boost the local economy, attracting new businesses, growing existing businesses and creating hundreds of local jobs.
“People will be able to live right in the City Centre, surrounded by some of the best amenities in the north including an array of shops, services and restaurants, bringing the city to life. It’s all on the doorstep of the Little Para Linear Park, which leads to the Salisbury Aquatic Centre.”
Two South Australian development and construction groups, Buildtec and Catcorp, will lead the delivery of the project, bringing Council’s long-term city centre vision into reality.
“We are excited to begin this important first stage of the City Centre renewal. The creation of Southend Apartments will be the catalyst for true urban living in the heart of Salisbury,” the Buildtec/Catcorp team said.
New architectural renders have also been released for Stage 1, showing a glimpse of how the city centre will change in the coming years. VARO Property is selling the residential apartments and has begun inviting early expressions of interest.
Salisbury Business Association Inc. Chair Jason Wright said the arrival of one and two-bedroom apartments in the Salisbury CBD would open the area up to a new wave of buyers.
“With 1- & 2-bedroom apartments being available for the first time in the Salisbury CBD, appeal will be strong from first home buyers seeking entry level price points, downsizers seeking the convenient location along with lock and leave security as well as investors,” he said.
“The added convenience of walking access to Salisbury Bus and Rail Interchange, shopping, cinemas and restaurants on your doorstep and the community benefits and events Salisbury has to offer, make it a very appealing package indeed.
“City Centre living will add a whole new level of vibrancy and community engagement to Salisbury.”
