Adelaide’s newly approved tallest skyscraper set to be abseiling tourist attraction
The newly approved 183-metre Keystone Tower could set hearts jumping if the building's project managers get their way, and will be a centrepiece of a rapidly evolving Adelaide skyline and urban setting.
Adelaide’s tallest skyscraper has been given the green light to ascend to the skies, as the owners look at ways visitors can descend via a thrilling abseiling attraction.
The 183-metre Keystone Tower on North Terrace had its development application submitted in January and had hoped to be approved by March, but despite delays to the approvals process it will now go ahead.
The State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) has cleared the way for construction to begin on the glass façade Keystone Tower that will feature a 238-room hotel under Marriot International’s Westin Hotels brand, as well as office space, a business lounge, function area, wellness centre and an observatory on the top levels.
The submission to SCAP was more than 700 pages long and will involve the adjoining Freemason’s heritage building being fully restored.
The Freemasons Hall Trust’s plan will transform this part of the city as what has been labelled Adelaide’s first genuine skyscraper. It will be 45 metres taller than the current title holder, the Crowne Plaza on Frome Street.
While it’s been an adrenaline-filled ride getting planning consent for Henry Davis, Adelaide City Councillor, Freemason and Project Director, the public may be the ones that will enjoy an enduring thrill.
“What we are seriously investigating is the ability to abseil down the side,” Mr Davis said.
“We want this to be a place for all South Australians to come and to look at this as a really important public building, and the idea that you can repel down the side and see Adelaide from every point of view is absolutely part of the product.”
The $400 million development that will be 37 storeys of mixed-use space is designed by Walter Brooke and Bara Consulting Group, in partnership with Melbourne-based Pelligra Group.
Detailed heritage agreements and conservation plans have been developed to protect the historical significance of the original 1927 Freemasons Hall building.
The tower will rise behind the masons’ heritage-listed Grand Lodge. The Great Hall will be demolished to make way for the glass-facade tower.
With the planning approval secured, the next steps include obtaining Building Consent, after which demolition of the rear hall and preservation work on the original structure will commence. It is hoped completion will come ahead of the original building’s centenary in 2027.
Adelaide’s urban transformation
The Keystone Tower is one just one of numerous major building projects underway in Adelaide.
The billion dollar One Festival Tower was recently completed by Walker Corporation, in partnership with Renewal SA, and established a central hub for entertainment, education, dining, and shopping, linking with Adelaide's premier Riverbank attractions such as Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Festival Centre and Adelaide Casino.
Plans have been submitted for approval Festival Tower Two, that the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) said will be a 38-storey high-rise tower to be built in Festival Plaza, with significant additional public space - bringing in thousands of visitors and workers and more than $1 billion in annual economic activity.
Demolition and construction works commenced on the $400 million Market Square development on 1 June 2023.
A 39-story development, it will include new retail space, a seven-level all-electric commercial office tower, childcare centre, luxury residences, hotel and garden retreat.
According to figures provided by developer ICD Property, which is collaborating with City of Adelaide on the project, 98 per cent of residences sold within the first few weeks of launch.
The $400 million Entrepreneur and Innovation Centre (EIC) at Lot Fourteen is due to commence construction in 2024. The 16 level, 41,000 square metre building is central to the district and home to a $20 million Innovation Hub.
The 16-storey, campus-style Innovation Hub, the flagship building at the site, has been specifically designed to suit the secure environment for defence, space, and hi-tech businesses, education and research institutions.
A string of other $200-400 million developments are also under construction, including the 15-storey Marriott International, the two 13-storey towers and one 15-storey tower, connected by a two-storey podium that is known as Eighty Eight O’Connell, and the $400 million Entrepreneur and Innovation Centre (EIC) at Lot Fourteen on the corner of Frome Road and North Terrace.
