Approved high-rise to become Adelaide's tallest tower

The Adelaide city skyline will soon be transformed, following the recent planning approval of the city's new tallest tower, a 37-storey skyscraper.

A proposal to establish a 183-metre-tall skyscraper, dubbed Keystone Tower, was approved by the State Planning Commission on 24 July 2024. The current holder of the tallest tower title in Adelaide, Frome Central Tower One, on Frome Street, stands at 138-metres-tall.

A development application for the $400-million Keystone Tower was lodged by the Freemasons Hall Trust for the site in October 2023. The approved building will be located behind the heritage-listed Freemasons Grand Lodge at 254 North Terrace. The 1927 grand lodge will remain on the site, with approximately 80 percent of the building to be retained and the Great Hall at the rear to be demolished.

Designed by Walter Brooke and Bara Consulting Group, the mixed-use tower includes a 240-room hotel, office spaces, hospitality offerings, a business lounge, a function area, a pool, an observatory with 360-degree views of the city, and a wellness centre.

The applicant is also considering locating a new Adelaide Museum of South Australia's History in the building, which would occupy the first five levels. Plans for the museum have not yet been filed.

The lead consultant on the Keystone Tower project, Michael Baragwanath, said the planning approval is a testament to the comprehensive design approach, highlighting the consideration of Adelaide's urban context during the planning and design phases.

"We are committed to creating a building that is both a modern marvel and a respectful nod to Adelaide's heritage for all South Australians," Baragwanath said.

The project completion date is planned for late 2026 to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of the Freemasons Grand Lodge.