Walker Corp Ditches Adelaide Low-Rise for Skyscraper

Updated plans for a 38-storey Adelaide tower proposed by Walker Corporation are now in front of the South Australian Government. 

The project was originally conceived as a three-storey retail building in Festival Plaza.

But that smaller, previously approved project has now been scrapped in favour of a high-rise, mixed-use tower overshadowing Parliament House.

It would rank among the tallest buildings in the state if it comes to fruition. 

It would sit alongside the existing 29-storey One Festival Tower and provide 36 floors of office space, with an option for 3000sq m of civic space across four podium levels. 

In a statement to the media, the South Australian Government said that space could be used for Parliamentary and cultural events.

There would also be 800sq m of public space next to Parliament House as part of the plan.

The proposed tower would include two floors of food and beverage with access from Festival Plaza, and a terrace overlooking the revitalised Riverbank Precinct. 

▲ The retail component of the previously approved development (left) has been expanded in Walker’s revised plans (right).

Premier Peter Malinauskas said that the Walker development “speaks to the growing confidence in South Australia” and was emblematic of private capital investment “showing confidence in the future of our state”.

A code amendment for Festival Plaza will be initiated, considering building height, design, heritage and interface with the Riverbank Precinct.

Walker will now seek planning approval as well as precommitment for the building’s commercial floorr, and tenders for a builder. 

Subject to these issues, construction is projected to start next year ahead of a completion by mid-2027.

▲ Festival Plaza is described as a hub for arts, culture and tourism in the South Australian capital.

According to Walker Corporation chief executive officer David Gallant, the project reinforces the “ultimate goal” of company founder Lang Walker, who died earlier this year, to ensure Festival Plaza becomes “one of the world’s most celebrated squares”. 

It will aim for a 6-star energy efficiency rating and create more than 9500 jobs for workers, he said.

Walker Corporation has experienced mixed success this week. While the launch of the Festival Tower was a highlight, the Federal Government on April 9 decided to block its $1.3-billion Toondah Harbour development in Queensland.