A $40 million, seven-storey, independent living development is proposed for Queen’s Wharf, Port Adelaide.

AN outdoor putting green and communal garden are features of a lifestyle deck incorporated into a $40 million, seven-storey, independent living development proposed for Queen’s Wharf, Port Adelaide.

Dock 27, Queens Wharf development.

AN outdoor putting green and communal garden are features of a lifestyle deck incorporated into a $40 million, seven-storey, independent living development proposed for Queen’s Wharf, Port Adelaide.

Port Adelaide businessman and developer Hans Ehmann has lodged a development application with the State Commission Assessment Panel for this second in a series of projects planned for the Queens Wharf, known as Dock 27.

It will comprise 72 apartments, retail space, generous communal open spaces and stand alongside another Ehmann project, the $25 million Quest Hotel development.

Dock 27 has been positioned to respond to Minister John Rau’s declaration for significant retirement living developments (of more than $20 million) to be assessed as a Major Project in accordance with the Development Act.

To achieve this, the project team will be working diligently with the State Government and Port Adelaide Enfield City Council to ensure it is optimised for the community from a social, environmental and economic perspective.

“My plans for the Queen’s Wharf are to introduce a stable population of about 750 people to the area, extend the hours of the Port and fast-track economic growth in the area,” Mr Ehmann says.

Mr Ehmann owns Queens Wharf as well as heritage-listed Customs House in Port Ad elaide, which he plans to restore.

Dock 27 accommodation will consist of 58 two-bed apartments, eight three-bedroom apartments and six luxury penthouse suites.

All offer comfortable living space and a balcony or terrace from which residents can take in the views of the Port River, Semaphore or the Hills. Apartments will have two bathrooms and at least one carpark.

Mr Ehmann says Dock 27 has been designed to reflect the style and form of the historical buildings and structures in the Port and the application of material and colours is also consistent with its surroundings.

“The most striking visual feature is the diagonal brace at the front of the building, which is typical in the construction of bridges over water, such as the Birkenhead Bridge,” he says.

“We have also incorporated exposed truss work and red brick, which is common throughout the Port, as well as large, solid timber doors in the ground floor retail spaces.

“This building has been designed to blend in seamlessly with the unique and distinctive architecture of Port Adelaide,” said Mr Ehmann. “This is very important to me.’’

State executive director of the Property Council of Australia, Daniel Gannon, says we’ve seen investment and new life breathed back in into Port Adelaide in recent times.

“And this type of development contributes to potential, future growth there,” he says.

Mr Ehmann says Dock 27 will offer residents a contemporary, waterfront lifestyle in one of the most historically significant settings in SA.

“The north-facing orientation of the building means residents can sit on their balcony at the close of day, perhaps with a glass of wine, and watch the dolphins or the boats in the river without being blinded by the setting sun, as would be the case with a west-facing building,’’ he says.

A major part of the second level has been zoned as a lifestyle deck, to include outdoor entertaining facilities, a putting green, communal garden and adjoining, indoor recreation centre with bar.

In September last year, Mr Ehmann revealed his vision for a vibrant precinct on the South Bank of the Port River incorporating a mix of residential, commercial, entertainment and community elements.

Queen’s Wharf will eventually see the introduction of four residential buildings incorporating a full service hotel on the site now used for the Fisherman’s Wharf Market.