Maras Group unveils plans for $30 million building on Richmond Rd

A sweeping, glass-clad $30m building specifically designed to look different to the Adelaide “norm” is set to revitalise one of the city’s busiest arterial roads while “blurring the boundaries between work, live and play”.

Maras Group's proposed development at Richmond Rd, Keswick.

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A futuristic building is set to revitalise one of Adelaide’s busiest arterial roads as part of a $30 million plan unveiled by a prominent local property developer.

Maras Group has revealed to The Advertiser details of its latest project at the city end of Richmond Rd — a landmark building inspired by the developer’s recently completed cinema complex at Prospect.

Located adjacent to the SA Power Networks office tower, the building will include ground floor commercial and retail space, and three upper levels of office space enclosed by a sweeping glass facade.

Maras Group managing director Steve Maras said the building’s design was inspired by the Palace Nova complex at Prospect, which his company completed in late 2017.

“People love buildings with curvature but unfortunately they’re rare in Adelaide and are often cost prohibitive,” he said.

“We were overwhelmed with the public feedback when we built the Palace Nova cinema at Prospect, because the building wasn’t a straight-edge, traditional type building.

“We are looking at different design elements that aren’t the norm in Adelaide, but of course the design has to fit the environment as well.”

Maras Group's proposed office development at Richmond Rd, Keswick — image supplied by tectvs

Maras Group is in talks with several potential tenants, including in the defence, medical and health sectors, to fill the building which accommodates 2300 sqm of space across each level.

The developer plans to submit the project for planning approval later this month.

“The building will feature some of the largest floor-plates seen in the Adelaide marketplace, full-height glass providing rich natural light all around, great views and a focus on providing the building’s occupants with a place they will enjoy coming to each and every day,” Mr Maras said.

“It will feature the very best and latest in end-of-trip facilities, especially for those seeking to cycle into work, including bike racks, a pumping station, change rooms, lockers, showers and toilets. It’s all about wellness and workplace best practice.

“We see Richmond Rd becoming one of Adelaide’s next major commercial hubs, particularly from Anzac Highway to South Rd, given block sizes can accommodate future developments of scale, as well as the rail, bus and transport links.”

Maras Group managing director Steve Maras outside the Palace Nova cinema complex, which inspired the design of the developer’s latest project. Picture: AAP / Roy Vandervegt

Adelaide architecture firm tectvs has designed the building after working alongside Maras to deliver its Prospect cinema project.

Tectvs principal Antonio Giannone said the building’s facade would become an instantly recognisable landmark in the area.

“Much commentary has been placed on the distinctive facade envelope of the design — the key lies in its simplicity, the old design adage of less is more,” he said.

“The gently sweeping curved glass facade seamlessly and elegantly enhances the dramatic perspective of the building, providing a strong presence and identity in its streetscape.”

Mr Giannone said the building would “redefine” design expectations in Adelaide, and provide amenities that would “blur the boundaries between work, live and play”.

“A holistic approach and design advocacy that supports health and wellbeing is at the forefront of our design principles for this project,” he said.

The development will include approximately 190 carparks across ground and basement levels.

Maras expects construction to begin early next year, and take approximately 15 months to complete.