High-rise tower proposed for Adelaide's Festival Plaza in lieu of retail centre

A 38-storey mixed-use tower has been proposed for Festival Plaza in Adelaide in lieu of an earlier approved proposal for a three-storey retail building.

The property developer behind both the abandoned and new proposal, Walker Corporation, states on its website that the new plans deliver "an improved heritage outcome" as "the previously approved three-storey option would have obscured views of Parliament's heritage facade and balcony entirely."

Walker Corporation collaborated with architecture practice Johnson Pilton Walker on the proposal.

The slender high-rise would be sited alongside Walker Corporation's recently completed 29-storey One Festival Tower, also a collaboration with Johnson Pilton Walker. Under the plans, public space would be introduced between the two buildings, supporting a range of outdoor dining activations.

The proposed tower comprises 36 floors of commercial office space; approximately 3,000 square metres of public civic space across four podium levels; a glass foyer providing views of the plaza and Parliament House; two levels designated to food and beverage offerings including a terrace level dining option overlooking the plaza, and public artworks.

The proposed building form includes a tower with a curved glass facade situated atop a podium.

Minister for Planning Nick Champion said the creation of a second tower would assist with activating an "underutilised" area in the Riverbank Precinct. "The community space will add much needed retail, food and beverage options in an area that will be bustling with close to 10,000 daily workers," he said.

"The new tower will be an important feature in the ongoing transformation of Festival Plaza, which also includes upgrades to the neighbouring Railway Station, Festival Theatre, SkyCity and Elder Park."

Development approval will now be sought for the project. If approved, project construction is expected to commence in 2025, with the tower anticipated to be complete in mid-2027.