Government

Plans for new 38-storey high-rise in Festival Plaza set to protect Parliament House

The future for Parliament House is now secure as the State Government has approved a code amendment establishing clear guidelines for the development of Festival Plaza.

The future for Parliament House is now secure as the State Government has approved a code amendment establishing clear guidelines for the development of Festival Plaza.

The Festival Plaza Code Amendment offers specific building height and design guidelines to ensure the site’s development potential is fully realised without impeding on Festival Plaza’s boundaries.

This decision followed feedback from stakeholders including the community, industry, local and state government agencies, and advocacy groups. This has led to the incorporation of enhanced protection measures for Parliament House which includes:

  • A minimum setback of nine metres from the northern facade of Parliament House to safeguard its exterior and heritage significance.
  • Detailed requirements to preserve sightlines towards the Parliament House balcony and the building’s ‘Aedicular Corner’, featuring classical columns and pilasters located at the intersection of King William Street and the Plaza, maintaining its heritage prominence within Festival Plaza.

The development plans propose a 38-storey high-rise tower in Festival Plaza, adjacent to the existing 29-storey One Festival Tower.

Concepts for the new tower include a glass foyer designed to optimise views between Parliament House and Festival Plaza. These updated planning regulations will guide the final designs, ensuring the proposed building fully utilises the precinct’s remaining development site.

Walker Corporation is leading the new development. They have modified their initial proposal from constructing a three-storey retail building on the Plaza to developing a high-rise mixed-use tower.

The anticipated second tower at Festival Plaza is predicted to attract thousands of visitors and workers, generating more than $1 billion in annual economic activity. The project will aim to enhance Festival Plaza’s status as a global centre for arts, culture, tourism, and entertainment.

Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Nick Champion, said, “The code amendment ensures a second tower on Festival Plaza will deliver more public space and better protect the heritage of Parliament House.”

“The original deal to build a three-storey retail building would have been a terrible outcome for the city,” Champion said.

“A new tower is expected to draw approximately 9,500 workers to the area and generate $1.3 billion in economic activity. It will create a vibrant community space that complements the ongoing transformation of Festival Plaza and Riverbank precinct.”

These developments signify a crucial step towards enhancing the functionality and heritage preservation of a key Adelaide landmark, bringing together community, commercial interests, and architectural heritage in an integrated development plan.

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