Adelaide’s architectural and commercial landscape is set for a major evolution as designs for the city’s first skyscraper, a 38-storey tower, have been unveiled. Set to rise at the iconic Festival Plaza, this building is poised to redefine Adelaide’s skyline by 2027.
This ambitious project will present the highest commercial tower in Adelaide, stretching up to 160 metres. It incorporates almost 50,000m2 of space across 38 levels, prominently featuring 30 levels of state-of-the-art office space.
Premier Peter Malinauskas spoke about the project’s importance, stating, “Our state’s economy is growing, and our city is growing up. This will be an iconic building that will define Adelaide’s skyline. We want and need more workers in our city and this sends a clear message that SA is open for business and investment.” He continued, “This development will be a lynchpin of a reinvigorated Festival Plaza and bring in more than a billion dollars in annual economic activity to the area.”
The design ensures the visitor’s experience is enhanced with an accessible and raised outdoor podium that offers scenic views over the renewed Festival Plaza. Additional features include a rooftop bar and restaurant, providing panoramic views of the Riverbank, Adelaide Oval, and the Adelaide Hills, poised to become a major attraction.
Replacing a previously planned three-storey retail building, this new proposal not only preserves but enhances views of the heritage façade and balcony of Parliament House. The project has incorporated a new laneway between the tower and Parliament House to invigorate the plaza with more hospitality and retail opportunities, thereby expanding Adelaide’s vibrant laneway culture.
This development is set to be one of Australia’s most sustainable office buildings and will operate entirely on electricity, including what is touted to be the largest solar array on any commercial building in the city.
David Gallant, CEO of Walker Corporation, noted, “Walker are proud to announce this milestone lodgement of our Development Application for the second tower at Festival Plaza, the final piece in the transformation of Adelaide’s premier commercial and entertainment precinct.” He said, “This achievement is the result of many months of dedicated work by our expert consultant team, refining the design to deliver an iconic addition to the city’s skyline.”
The development is expected to create roughly 1,300 construction jobs and, once completed, will accommodate up to 5,000 office workers and another 100 retail workers. This influx is projected to inject over $1 billion in economic activity annually into the local economy.
To ensure the architectural integrity and heritage value of the site, the project has undergone rigorous consultations and design reviews involving the State Government Architect. The final design adheres to stringent guidelines set forth by the Festival Plaza Code Amendment, approved in January, which provided clear directives on building height and design.
Walker will lodge its Development Application with the independent State Commission Assessment Panel, with a decision to be made in the coming months.
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