Adelaide is set to welcome its first skyscraper, reaching a height of 160 metres, following a decision by the state government that has sparked significant opposition from over 120 notable South Australians. The State Commission Assessment Panel has greenlit the construction of a 38-storey tower at Festival Plaza, located in the bustling Riverbank Precinct behind Parliament House, developed by Walker Corporation.
This new skyscraper will stand as the city’s tallest commercial building, designed to accommodate up to 5,000 office workers while also creating around 100 jobs in retail within its lower-level restaurants, cafes, and bars. The project is projected to contribute more than $1 billion in economic activity annually.
Premier Peter Malinauskas expressed enthusiasm about the development, suggesting it will transform the precinct into a dynamic and vibrant area. He conveyed that this initiative signifies Adelaide’s evolution into a prominent global city. Similarly, Planning Minister Nick Champion underscored the project’s potential as a defining representation of a city that is confidently embracing modernity. He noted that the updated plans strive to maintain the visual integrity and heritage of nearby Parliament House while ensuring the creation of a lively public space for all South Australians.
However, the approval comes amidst significant opposition, with a coalition known as the Save Festival Plaza Alliance urging for the project to be halted. This group, which includes a former premier and several architects, argues that Festival Plaza should remain public land and supports the idea of a low-rise cultural hub instead. They contend that the skyscraper, if built, would detrimentally affect the heritage significance of the adjacent National Heritage-listed Parliament House complex and the Adelaide Park Lands. The coalition insists that the area should retain its open, civic character, cautioning against developments that would overshadow its historical value.